Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - New Acid Reflux Treatment Gets Approval

Takeda Canada, Inc. recently announced that it had obtained approval for DEXILANT (dexlansoprazole), which is reportedly the first and only proton pump inhibitor (PPI) incorporating a novel dual delayed release technology, which results in the delivery of two separate doses of medication at different times during the day. DEXILANT (dexlansoprazole) may now be prescribed for patients who suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which is a chronic condition that is more commonly referred to as acid reflux disease, and usually results in affected patients suffering from frequent and persistent heartburn several times a week.

Paul Friel, the General Manager and President of Takeda Canada, Inc., was pleased with the approval granted, and issued the following statement: “Takeda is focused on health care solutions that address the unmet medical needs of patients. We are thrilled that doctors can now prescribe DEXILANT as part of an overall plan to help patients better manage and better control erosive esophagitis and symptoms of GERD.” GERD is a common condition, which affects an estimated 33% of the population of Canada.

Dr. David Armstrong, a Gastroenterologist and also an Associate Professor of Medicine at McMaster University, commented on the potential of the newly approved drug: “While diet and lifestyle changes may be very helpful for some GERD sufferers, they do not relieve symptoms for others. Medications to reduce stomach acid are very effective for those with troublesome GERD symptoms. By providing two distinct peaks of release, DEXILANT provides better acid reduction and more sustained symptom control over a longer period of time, so GERD will have less of an impact on a person’s daily life - this should lead, ultimately, to improvements in our patients’ overall quality of life.”