Novartis announced that its generics unit Sandoz is launching a generic form of the anti-ulcer treatment Prilosec (omeprazole) in the US. Sandoz' generic product is being launched under the Lek label and will be available by prescription in 10 and 20mg dosage strengths.

"We believe there is significant interest in providing physicians and their patients in the US with an attractive high-quality alternative to currently available products", said Christian Seiwald, CEO of Sandoz, which already markets a generic version of omeprazole in Europe.

Sandoz, a Novartis company, is a world leader in generic pharmaceuticals and develops, manufactures and markets these medicines as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnological active ingredients. Altogether, Sandoz employs around 11 500 people worldwide and posted sales of USD 1.8 billion in 2002.