AstraZeneca is the leading pharmaceutical company in the treatment of acid-related diseases, providing a class of medicines known as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). These include Nexium, a long-term solution for patients with disrupting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms.

GERD is a medical condition which involves the ‘reflux’ of stomach contents. GERD occurs when the stomach content refluxes (flows backwards) into the passage between the mouth and the stomach (esophagus), leading to troublesome symptoms, pain and discomfort and/or additional complications.^3,4 For those who experience persistent, recurring symptoms, GERD can disrupt the physical, social and emotional wellbeing in everyday life, in spite of efforts to manage their condition.⁵

1. Dent J, El Serag HB, Wallander MA, Johansson S. Epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review. Gut 2005;54(5):710-7.
2. Ronkainen J, Aro P, Storskrubb T, Johansson SE, Lind T, Bolling Sternevald E, Graffner H, Vieth M, Stolte M, Engstrand L, Talley NJ, Agreus L. High prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and esophagitis with or without symptoms in the general adult Swedish population: A Kalixanda study report. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 2005;40(3):275-85
3. Malfertheiner P, Hallerbck B. Clinical manifestations and complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Int J Clin Pract 2005;59:346–55.
4. Vakil N, Van Zanten SV, Kahrilas P, Dent J, Jones R and the Global Consensus Group. The Montreal Definition and classification of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a global evidence-based consensus. Am J Gastroenterol 2006;101:1900–20.
5. Liker H, Hungin P, Wiklund I. Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease in primary care: the patient perspective. J Am Board Fam Pract 2005;18:393–400.