AstraZeneca’s extended protection period for the $3 billion-selling heartburn drug Nexium has come to an end, now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first generic version of Nexium.
Ivax Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, has won approval to market the medication in 20 and 40 milligram capsules.
Esomeprazole magnesium, the ingredients in Nexium, are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children ages 1 and older. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid in the stomach.
Advertisement
Source: FDA
