Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter Nexium® 24HR (esomeprazole 20mg) marking a key step towards providing those who suffer from frequent heartburn broader access to a brand doctors and patients have trusted for years.

In 2012, Pfizer acquired exclusive global rights from AstraZeneca to market non-prescription Nexium®. The addition of Nexium® 24HR to the Pfizer Consumer Healthcare portfolio expands the breadth of categories in which we help consumers better manage their health, and extends the value of the world’s leading prescription acid blocker brand.

“Switching medicines, whenever appropriate, from prescription to non-prescription status improves access, empowers consumers to care for their own health and is an important strategy for Pfizer,” said Paul Sturman, President, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. “The FDA approval of Nexium® 24HR is a significant milestone in executing against our plan.”

We continue to work closely with AstraZeneca and retail partners to make Nexium® 24HR available to consumers in the U.S., with other markets in Europe expected to follow this year.

Pfizer Inc: Working together for a healthier world™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world's best-known consumer health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.