Sandoz launches Nexmezol, treatment for digestive disorders, in South Africa
Johannesburg, August 21, 2013 – Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, has launched Nexmezol. Nexmezol is the first generic esomeprazole in South Africa.
Nexmezol is indicated for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a digestive disorder that affects the lower oesophageal sphincter, the muscle connecting the oesophagus with the stomach.
In South Africa alone, more than 4.2 million boxes of prescription medicine for heartburn are sold annually1. Poor diet and a stressful lifestyle are contributing factors.
“Lifestyle diseases, coupled with high costs make it increasingly difficult for South African patients to gain access to affordable treatment for their healthcare problems. Medical aids often do not pay for medicines that treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, therefore it is mostly funded out of the acute/savings portion of medical aids ” says Carnie van der Linde Country Head for South East Africa.
Research shows that patients with GORD are bothered and even incapacitated by their symptoms, and that their health-related quality of life is impaired as a result.2 Patients with heartburn experience worse pain, social functioning and emotional wellbeing than those with diabetes, hypertension and acute coronary events.3
The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in Nexmezol is often a solution for sufferers who have tried other alternatives. Nexmezol is effective in acid suppression.4
References
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IMS TPM May 2013 – Schedule 3 and 4
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The South African Gastroenterology Review, November 2005: What is the burden of illness in patients with reflux disease in South Africa? CJ Van Rensburg, KR Kulich, J Carlsson and IK Wiklund.
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Quality of life in acute and maintenance of treatment of non-erosive and mild erosive gastro-oesophagel reflux disease. F. Pace, C. Negrini, I Wiklund, C. Rossi and V. Savarino.
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Approved package insert.
About Sandoz
Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, is a global leader in the rapidly growing generics industry Sandoz offers a broad range of about 1, 100 high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents. With nearly 26,000 employees in approximately 140 countries, Sandoz holds the #1 position globally in biosimilars, injectables, ophthalmics and dermatology as well as a strong global #5 position in inhalables. Key product groups include antibiotics, treatments for central nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal medicines, cardiovascular treatments, and hormone therapies. Sandoz develops, produces, and markets these medicines along with pharmaceutical and biotechnological active substances and anti -infectives. In addition to strong organic growth in recent years, Sandoz has made a series of acquisitions including Lek (Slovenia), Sabex (Canada), Hexal (Germany), Eon Labs (US), EBEWE Pharma (Austria), Oriel Therapeutics (US), and Fougera Pharmaceuticals (US). In 2012, Sandoz posted sales of USD 8.7 billion.
SOURCE: Sandoz