Merck Sharpe and Dohme announces approval of ZEGERID OTC

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ZEGERID OTC (omeprazole 20 mg/sodium bicarbonate 1100 mg capsules), for over-the-counter treatment of frequent heartburn.

ZEGERID OTC – a proton pump inhibitor – treats frequent heartburn by controlling and suppressing acid for a full 24 hours.

It contains a patented dual-ingredient formulation that combines the leading prescription acid-reducing medicine (omeprazole) with sodium bicarbonate, therefore protecting the omeprazole from stomach acid.

The product will be marketed over the counter by Schering-Plough HealthCare – the consumer healthcare division of Merck, Sharpe and Dohme.

Schering-Plough and Merck merged on November 3rd 2009.

Stan Barshay, executive vice-president and president of Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, stated: “ZEGERID OTC is another demonstration of our commitment to bringing innovative treatments to consumers.”

Last month, Merck Sharpe and Dohme’s board of directors declared a dividend of 0.38 cents (23p) per share on its common stock, to cover the first quarter of 2010.