Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the largest India-focused Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) serving the Indian domestic pharmaceutical industry, has announced the launch of an advanced anti-reflux antacid—Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate Chewable Tablet. This innovative product has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent condition where stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, causing symptoms like regurgitation, heartburn, and chest pain. Additionally, extra-esophageal symptoms can include laryngitis, asthma, dental erosions, and chronic cough. GERD is also linked to serious conditions such as esophageal inflammation, cancer, mental disorders, head and neck diseases, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, complications of GERD, such as Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, have become more common, particularly in Asia due to aging populations and obesity.

The newly launched chewable tablet from Akums falls under the category of 'reflux suppressants,' which form a protective layer on top of stomach contents to prevent acid from escaping into the esophagus, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort. Each tablet contains Sodium Alginate IP 500mg and Potassium Bicarbonate IP 100mg.

Designed to treat symptoms such as acid regurgitation, heartburn, and indigestion, the tablet is beneficial for conditions arising after gastric surgery, due to hiatus hernia, during pregnancy, and in cases of reflux esophagitis. It also addresses laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms like hoarseness, sore throats, and cough.

Studies have shown that physiological dysfunction at the gastro-esophageal junction, often seen as a partial hiatus hernia, exacerbates distal esophageal acid exposure in obesity. The acid pocket, located distally to the gastro-esophageal junction, and resistant to normal buffering, serves as an acid reservoir prone to reflux, particularly in the presence of a hernia. Unlike traditional antacids or proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), alginate-based reflux suppressants, such as Sodium Alginate + Potassium Bicarbonate, displace the acid pocket and create an alginate raft that forms a physical barrier against reflux.

Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Managing Director of Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., commented, “We are thrilled to introduce this innovative antacid formulation to the Indian market. The increasing prevalence of GERD and its complications necessitates advanced treatment options, and our new product offers a unique solution with its dual-action approach of forming a protective barrier and neutralizing stomach acid.”

Mr. Sandeep Jain, Managing Director of Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., added, “Driven by our commitment to enhancing patient well-being, we engage in continuous research and development. GERD disrupts daily life, causing heartburn and regurgitation, affecting activities and comfort. Akums' Advanced Anti-Reflux Antacid chewable tablets aim to provide relief, restore comfort, and enable patients to enjoy meals and daily tasks without discomfort. This formulation not only addresses GERD symptoms but also aims to offer a convenient, effective, and safe treatment option for diverse patients.”

The tablet is intended for oral administration. Adults and children over 12 years should take one to two tablets after meals and at bedtime when symptoms occur. Children under 12 years should use the product only under medical advice. It is suitable for pregnant women and offers an extra-strength formula.