Acid-reducing drugs, also called proton pump inhibitors (PPI), are one of the most successful drug classes ever launched, projected to earn as much as $3.26 billion in profits in the year 2026.
“Twenty-five years after their introduction into clinical practice, PPIs remain the mainstay of the treatment of acid-related diseases,” research published in the journal BMC Medical says. “Overall, PPIs are irreplaceable drugs in the management of acid-related diseases.”
Comprising both prescription and over-the-counter preparations, PPIs are intended to treat acid diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD (which stems from stomach acid repeatedly back flowing into the esophagus) as well as other conditions such as heartburn, stomach discomfort, and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in ulcer patients or those using blood thinners, such as aspirin. More than 15 million Americans have been prescribed PPIs prescriptions and many others buy the drugs over the counter….