The world's largest selling medicine prescribed by doctors to treat one of the most common conditions to afflict mankind, is about to be overshadowed with the introduction of a better alternative, esomeprazole. The condition comes under a little-known name - gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). To most of us it is more familiar in such terms as heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck) and indigestion, but for sufferers it can have a marked effect on how they live day-to-day. This new medicine may allow sufferers to take back control of their symptoms and they may no longer have to be tied to a routine of taking a tablet every day, as esomeprazole has been shown to quickly and effectively control symptoms when heartburn occurs. In clinical studies of patients with GORD,* after six months treatment, approximately 90 per cent of patients were able to control symptoms effectively by taking a daily dose of esomeprazole 20 mg as and when needed for heartburn relief.

New research has revealed that whilst 23 per cent of the adult population suffer from heartburn on two or more days each week,  [3] only one-third of those who consult their GP are 'extremely' or 'very' satisfied with the degree of control they currently have over their symptoms.  [4] The same research also showed that, for 98 per cent of patients this condition affects any of a number of aspects of daily living, such as recreational activities, work, family and their sex life.

Dr Howard Smart, Consultant from the Royal Liverpool University Hospital commented: _GORD is a debilitating and chronic condition and patients are often on medication for a long time. Many patients don't like having to remember to take a tablet every day, especially when they are heartburn-free. The benefits of being able to take an effective medicine only when experiencing symptoms will be very well-received by my patients._

Renowned international experts believe that GORD is likely to be present if heartburn is experienced on two or more days a week. However, they also state that less frequent symptoms do not rule out the presence of the disease.  [5] Almost half of GORD sufferers describe the worst aspect of their disease as the burning sensation or pain, with the majority (82 per cent) acknowledging that the condition has an impact on their lives.  [4]

Esomeprazole, which is licensed for a range of acid-related diseases, is the first and only proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to be licensed for use as and when required in patients with symptomatic GORD without oesophagitis (inflammation of the gullet). It is manufactured by AstraZeneca, the same company that manufactures another PPI, Losec® (omeprazole) - the largest selling prescription medicine, both in the UK and the rest of the world.

AstraZeneca is one of the world's leading ethical pharmaceutical companies, with a powerful range of products designed to fight disease in important areas of medical need. The company is research and technology intensive with extensive marketing and development skills. 1999 healthcare sales totalled over £9 billion ($15 billion), with an operating profit of £2.2 billion ($3.5 billion).