Actavis launched Pantoprazole tablets in Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands as the patent expired on 6 May. This is Actavis Group’s first own brand launch of this molecule.

In Germany and the Netherlands, the product was also launched by Actavis’ third party sales division’s (Medis’) customers at the same time. Earlier this year, Medis’ customers launched the product in Hungary and Poland.

Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is used to treat acid-related stomach and throat problems, including acid reflux (GERD), erosive esophagitis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Pantoprazole Actavis is the generic equivalent of Wyeth‘s Protonix®.

Pantoprazole Actavis is available in 20mg and 40mg tablets. The product was developed by Actavis R&D in Iceland, and manufactured by Actavis Malta.

IMS Health reported EU Brand sales of EUR1.1 bln in 2008.