01 August, 2016

Takeda Launches Innovative Product to Treat Acid Reflux



Takeda announces availability of innovative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment
‘Dexlansoprazole’ in Egypt; a treatment that allows patients to better manage GERD

Cairo, Egypt – July 28, 2016 – Takeda, the global, research-driven Japanese healthcare company, today announced that patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD or acid reflux, now have access to an innovative proton pump inhibitor (PPI)) treatment to help them manage their condition more effectively. Takeda’s ‘Dexlansoprazole’ is the first and only currently approved PPI that uses dual delayed release technology to offer patients with GERD 24-hour symptom control. This capsule can be taken any time of the day regardless of the timing of food intake.
Although PPIs are highly effective, well tolerated and affordable for most patients, there are still unmet needs. Between 19% to 44% of patients globally still experience persistent reflux symptoms, as available PPIs do not control gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms adequately. Takeda aims to address this unmet need, by making Dexlansoprazole available to doctors throughout Egypt.
“Although most often diagnosed in patients over 50 years of age, gastroesophageal reflux disease can affect all ages and the number of people suffering from GERD is on the rise, locally and globally,” said Professor Mazen Naga, Professor of Internal Medicine, Cairo University. “Modern lifestyles have led to higher levels of stress, lack of physical activity and high consumption of rich and fatty foods. Such lifestyle factors can make people more susceptible to this disease and its symptoms.”
‘GERD is a very common disorder. 25-40% of healthy adults experience symptomatic GERD at least once a month, whereas 14% of adults suffer from heartburn or acid reflux on a weekly basis and 7% notice it once a day” Professor Mazen added.
GERD is a condition that develops when the acid in the stomach moves back into the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation, considerable discomfort and, in the worst case scenario, serious tissue damage.  It is estimated that between 8.7 % and 33.1 % of the population in the Middle East suffer from the disease, which is on the rise in the Arab world and in the West.
“Takeda is focusing on healthcare solutions that address the unmet medical needs of patients, in diseases such as oncology, diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease,” said Mohamed Abdelfattah, Country Director of Takeda Pharmaceuticals Egypt. “Dexlansoprazole provides a unique and innovative solution for GERD, allowing patients to better manage their condition and make a meaningful difference to their well-being and quality of life.”
Despite the continuing prevalence of GERD and its broad occurrence across different age groups, there is limited awareness on the causes, symptoms and treatment options for the disease. “The burden of the disease is huge and affects the quality of life of patients, influencing the social, physical and emotional well-being as well as causing a loss of productivity,” said Professor Ibrahim Mostafa, Professor of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, the Theodor Bilharz Research institute. “PPI therapy is one of the most effective treatment options for GERD and arguably more effective than antacids or histamine receptor antagonists. “Some may still experience symptoms despite being on PPI therapy, while some may find it hard to comply with the recommended dosing schedule for traditional PPIs and others may have concerns around interactions with other drugs they are taking”.

Dexlansoprazole is the first and only currently approved PPI with a dual-delayed release formulation that provides 24-hour heartburn relief in the majority of patients.4,5,6 There are two different types of granules that release Dexlansoprazole at different time points for extended duration of acid suppression.7 The drug can be taken at any time of the day regardless of meals or food intake,8,9 making this treatment highly convenient

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