News for November, 2009

New heartburn medication meets expectations in drug trial

Addex Logo V21 New heartburn medication meets expectations in drug trialSwiss biotech group Addex Pharmaceuticals announced that its lead drug candidate met expectations in a mid-stage clinical trial in heartburn, setting the company up for a lucrative partnership with a bigger drug maker that would provide much-needed funds for the startup company.

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FDA approves generic GERD treatment

nizatidine 150x150 FDA approves generic GERD treatmentThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a generic version of a drug for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in adolescents and adults. Amneal Pharmaceuticals’ nizatidine oral solution was approved in the 15-mg-per-15-ml strength, and is a generic version of Axid, made by Braintree Laboratories. The medication belongs to a class of drugs known as histamine H2 blockers.

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New study may lead to different treatments for GERD

gerd stomach 2Findings from a new study on the causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may lead to new way of treating the condition. According to a team of researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, GERD, which causes painful chest pain and heartburn, may be caused by immune system cells causing inflammation. The study showed that gastroesophageal reflux in rats causes tissue in the esophagus to release immune chemicals called cytokines. Those cytokines attract inflammatory cells that cause the uncomfortable symptoms associated with heartburn and GERD.

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Reglan may stop hiccups, but may cause more serious problems

hiccups 150x150 Reglan may stop hiccups, but may cause more serious problemsMost people who take the medication Reglan (metoclopramide) are prescribed the drug to treat heartburn, GERD, or gastroparesis, also known as slow emptying of the stomach. But may also halt persistent hiccups.

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Non-surgical procedure offers hope to patients with GERD

surgical specialistsPatients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often have to give up their favorite foods because of bothersome symptoms, which can include chronic heartburn, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing and constant belching. Medications can help but they sometimes come with irritating side effects. But a new procedure is offering hope for patients who suffer from GERD.

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Pacemaker gives hope to sufferer of gastroparesis

gastric pacemakerThirty-two-year-old Shimmi Munshi would get sick up to 50 times a day over a four-year period, but doctors were at a loss as to why. She was put on feeding tubes and medication, but the treatments did little to help her. She became sicker and weaker. It wasn’t until the young woman scoured the Internet that she some answers. She immediately diagnosed herself with gastroparesis, or paralysis of the stomach. And found a treatment that would help her live a normal life. 

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New medical center to focus on gastrointestinal disorders

gerd stomachA new medical center specializing in gastrointestinal disorders is opening in El Paso, Texas, offering hope to patients throughout the country who suffer from debilitating symptoms. The new center is a collaborative effort between the University Medical Center of El Paso and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine. Called the Center for Gastrointestinal Motility and Functional Bowel Disorders, the center will diagnose and treat people who have problems digesting food.

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New GERD, gastroparesis treatment uses fast-dissolve technology

gerd stomach 2Salix Pharmaceuticals’ new gastrointestinal disorder treatment Metozolv (metoclopramide) OTC (orally disintegrating tablet ) utilizes Zydis, a fast-dissolve technology made by Catalent Pharam Solutions. Zydis is a unique, freeze-dried oral solid dosage form that can be swallowed without water because it dissolves instantly on the tongue in less than three seconds, according to Catalent. This delivery method translates to dosing convenience and ease of administration that makes taking medication easier for patients.

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