Santarus wins FDA approval for Zegerid capsules

Published: 28-Feb-2006

San Diego-based pharmaceutical company Santarus has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for a New Drug Application for Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) 40 mg/1100 mg and 20 mg/1100 mg capsules.


San Diego-based pharmaceutical company Santarus has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for a New Drug Application for Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) 40 mg/1100 mg and 20 mg/1100 mg capsules.

Zegerid is an immediate-release proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and the capsules are indicated for treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), short-term treatment of certain gastric ulcers and for maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis.

Market approval for Zegerid capsules is a significant milestone for Santarus, as it is the only immediate-release PPI in a capsule form. Capsules and swallowable tablets constitute the vast majority of the $12bn plus US market for prescription PPIs.

All currently marketed oral PPIs are delayed-release formulations that use an enteric coating to protect the PPI from acid degradation, delaying absorption and initial acid suppression. Zegerid, however, uses sodium bicarbonate to protect the omeprazole from gastric acid degradation. The sodium bicarbonate buffers the omeprazole and allows rapid absorption and suppression of gastric acid.

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