The two companies are pursuing indications for an OTC version of Prilosec for occasional heartburn.
Many people experiencing heartburn have symptoms at least two times each week.
Sales of OTC acid reducers and antacids increased 50 percent from 1994 to 1996, reaching more than USD 1,200 m. in 1996. Due to the way in which the U.S. market is built up, the OTC launch of Prilosec entails a substantial broadening of the market potential to new patient groups. Omeprazole is marketed outside of the U.S. under the brand name Losec .