AstraZeneca K.K. and Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited announced the launch of proton pump inhibitor Nexium 10 mg and 20 mg granules for suspension, Sachet, (generic- esomeprazole magnesium hydrate).

Nexium 10 mg and 20 mg granules for suspension, Sachet, are a new formulation of Nexium 10 mg and 20 mg capsules indicated for gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, anastomotic ulcer, reflux esophagitis, nonerosive reflux disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, inhibition of recurrence of gastric or duodenal ulcer during nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration, inhibition of recurrence of gastric or duodenal ulcer during low-dose aspirin administration, and support for eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The granules are suspended in water for oral use, which allows administration to paediatric patients at a young age. This formulation is also expected to improve drug adherence in patients with difficulty swallowing, such as elderly patients.

In Japan, AstraZeneca is in charge of manufacturing and Daiichi Sankyo is in charge of distribution and sales, resulting in a co-promotion by the two companies.

By providing two dosage forms of Nexium, Nexium 10 mg and 20 mg capsules and Nexium 10 mg and 20 mg granules for suspension, Sachet,  AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo will increase their contribution to the treatment of a wide range of acid-related diseases in patients ranging from children aged 1 year and older to the elderly with difficulty swallowing.