AstraZeneca introduces intravenous formulation

AstraZeneca has received approval from the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA), and will launch the new intravenous (i.v.) formulation of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) Nexium, providing an opportunity for physicians to treat patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are unable to take oral therapy.

Nexium administered intravenously demonstrates the same efficacy as oral Nexium - the first PPI to have shown superior control of gastric acid secretion compared with all other oral PPIs.

'Some patients, like those in intensive care units, are unable to take oral therapy due to their critical condition. The introduction of the Nexium i.v. formulation provides these patients with a suitable alternative with the same, high efficacy as the oral formulation,' said Dr Ola Roenn, vice president and head of the gastrointestinal therapy area, AstraZeneca. 'Nexium continues to gain market share worldwide, as more and more patients are able to experience the excellent acid control that it offers. We are currently seeking approval for this new formulation in a number of other markets, as well as additional indications for Nexium, both of which will ensure that new patient groups can get the beneficial treatment effects of Nexium.'