Schering-Plough to launch new OTC heartburn medication

Schering-Plough is to launch a new over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn treatment, which combines two active ingredients to deliver relief from the condition.

The company’s new Zegerid OTC product is a 14-day course of treatment which has been approved by regulators and is being marketed as part of an agreement with Santarus.

It utilises the active ingredient omeprazole to reduce acid levels, while its sodium bicarbonate content protects the other ingredient from degradation by stomach acid, allowing for maximum absorption.

Bridgette Heller, president of Schering-Plough Consumer HealthCare, expressed confidence that the new product will match the success of other OTC brands such as Claritin and Lotrimin.

She added: “With its strong history as an effective prescription product, we are excited to bring Zegerid OTC directly to consumers.”

Schering-Plough has been a part of Merck Sharpe and Dohme since the two firms completed their merger towards the end of last year.