Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease News and Research

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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common. GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices—called acids—rise up with the food. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach.

Patients dismissed from hospital with noncardiac chest pain continue to experience cardiac events: Study

The growing number of Americans with cardiovascular disease has caused a heightened sensitivity in the evaluation of chest pain. In a study published in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings researchers reported that patients dismissed from the hospital with noncardiac chest pain continue to experience cardiac events, which may highlight a need for more aggressive cardiovascular risk factor management in this population.

21 Apr 2010

Torax Medical's LINX Anti-Reflux treatment receives CE Mark approval

Torax Medical Inc., a medical device company focused on the minimally invasive treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), has received CE Mark for its LINX® Anti-Reflux treatment. The company has started commercial launch of the LINX device at select centers in Europe.

8 Apr 2010

Dry-mouth and dry-eye symptoms often misdiagnosed by healthcare professionals

Results from a recent survey of 400 Sjogren's syndrome patients showed that half of those surveyed experienced common symptoms such as dry mouth or dry eyes for three or more years before receiving an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional.

6 Apr 2010

Schering-Plough HealthCare Products commences promotion of ZEGERID OTC in North America

Santarus, Inc., a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc., the consumer healthcare subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., has commenced promotion of ZEGERID OTC™ (omeprazole 20 mg/sodium bicarbonate 1100 mg capsules) under its licensing agreement with Santarus for the over-the-counter (OTC) market in North America. The OTC heartburn market in the U.S. is estimated at approximately $1.8 billion based on data from market research firm Information Resources, Inc. and Santarus estimates.

2 Apr 2010

DIS serves as marker for new methods to diagnose NERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is an important public health problem which is extremely common nowadays. Symptoms of GERD arise from the exposure of increased acid gastric contents into the lower part of the esophageal mucosa. Most patients with GERD have NERD with invisible mucosal damages under endoscopy.

31 Mar 2010

Given Imaging to purchase Sierra Scientific Instruments from Water Street Healthcare Partners for $35M

Water Street Healthcare Partners, a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on health care, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its gastrodiagnostic device company, Sierra Scientific Instruments, to Given Imaging Ltd ( GIVN). Given Imaging, the global leader in patient-friendly GI diagnostic and monitoring solutions, will purchase the business for $35 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in early April.

22 Mar 2010

New specialty service at Montefiore Medical Center helps patients with drug allergies

A Westchester patient takes aspirin for pain, but develops rashes and hives. A Bronx patient with a gastrointestinal problem caused by bacteria is prescribed penicillin, then passes out. A Bronx woman is given a contrast dye for an internal diagnostic exam, then her skin peels off.

18 Mar 2010

Stomach wrap operations more effective than acid suppression tablets in severe acid reflux treatment

Stomach wrap operations may be more effective than acid suppression tablets in the treatment of severe acid reflux, according to a new Cochrane Systematic Review. The study shows a more pronounced improvement in symptoms shortly after surgery than with drug treatment.

17 Mar 2010

Hypertension: Regular nifedipine administration may lead to development of GERD

Nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocker, was shown to decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure and increase esophageal acid exposure time, while atenolol, a b1 blocker, was shown to inhibit relaxation of the smooth muscle of the esophagus. However, the influence of these anti-hypertensive drugs on the segment of esophageal body contraction using high-resolution manometry was not fully investigated.

5 Mar 2010

KAPIDEX to be marketed as DEXILANT in the U.S.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. announced today that KAPIDEX™ (dexlansoprazole) will be marketed in the United States under the new product trade name DEXILANT™ (dexlansoprazole). The product is indicated for heartburn associated with symptomatic non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the healing of erosive esophagitis (EE) and the maintenance of healed EE.

5 Mar 2010

EGS announces performance of 3,500th NOS procedure

EndoGastric Solutions (EGS), the leader in the emerging field of Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), today reported that the 3,500th Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS) procedure was performed in front of the over 110 surgeons from seven countries attending the first Advanced Techniques in Transoral Fundoplication CME course, held January 28-29 in Denver, CO.

18 Feb 2010

Orexo AB reports year-end 2009 financial results

Sales of Abstral continue to show robust growth, with royalty revenues rising sharply during the fourth quarter – up threefold from the preceding quarter. Our partner, ProStrakan, launched during 2009 Abstral in UK, Germany, France, Spain and Greece, and product launches in additional markets are imminent. Sales growth confirms that there is a substantial medical requirement in the case of cancer patients suffering from breakthrough pain.

17 Feb 2010

Tips to prevent heartburn

With the Big Game approaching, many football fans across the country are preparing for viewing parties, and the non-stop eating that comes with them. But favorite football foods like pizza, wings and nachos can trigger heartburn, which can end the evening long before the last touchdown.

3 Feb 2010

ZEGERID OTC approval triggers $20M milestone payment to Santarus

Santarus, Inc., a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has received the $20 million milestone payment previously announced on December 1, 2009 relating to the approval of ZEGERID OTC™ (omeprazole 20 mg/sodium bicarbonate 1100 mg capsules) under its over-the-counter (OTC) licensing agreement with Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc., the consumer healthcare division of Merck & Co., Inc. Schering-Plough and Merck merged on November 3, 2009.

22 Dec 2009

Nutricia North America improves its packaging with BPA-free lining for all powdered products

Nutricia North America, a manufacturer of medical foods and specialized infant formulas such as Neocate®, announced today that it has begun packaging its powdered medical foods and specialized infant formulas in cans with BPA-free lining.

18 Dec 2009

Comparative study on erosive and nonerosive diseases

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the pathological retrograde movement of gastric contents into the esophagus. Various esophageal motility disturbances which may be important in reflux are observed in patients with GERD.

9 Dec 2009

HALO procedure can help manage Barrett's esophagus and prevent esophageal cancer

Cancer prevention is an important goal for all Houstonians and Bay Area Gastroenterology advises that early detection can prevent esophageal cancer.

8 Dec 2009

FDA approves Santarus’ NDA for immediate-release prescription tablet product

Santarus, Inc., a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company’s New Drug Application (NDA) for immediate-release omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate/ magnesium hydroxide tablets in 40 mg and 20 mg dosage strengths of omeprazole.

5 Dec 2009

FDA approves manufacture of Amneal Pharmaceuticals' Nizatidine Oral Solution

Amneal Pharmaceuticals is pleased to announce that it has received U.S. FDA approval to manufacture Nizatidine Oral Solution in the 15 mg/mL strength effective November 18, 2009. It is an AA-rated, therapeutically equivalent alternative to Axid® Oral Solution (a licensed trademark of Braintree Labs). Nizatidine Oral Solution is the first available generic in oral solution form and marks Amneal’s fourth liquid approval.

3 Dec 2009

FDA approves Schering-Plough's New Drug Application for ZEGERID OTC capsules

Santarus, Inc., a specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.’s, New Drug Application (NDA) for ZEGERID OTC™ Capsules (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) with a dosage strength of 20 mg of omeprazole for over-the-counter (OTC) treatment of frequent heartburn.

2 Dec 2009