Lupin gets nod for GERD drug

BALTIMORE The Food and Drug Administration has approved a gastroesophageal reflux disease drug made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Lupin said.

The FDA approved Lupin’s famotidine for oral suspension in the 40 mg-per-5 milliliter strength. Shipment of the drug has begun.

The drug is a generic version of Merck’s Pepcid, used to treat active duodenal ulcer, active benign gastric ulcer and GERD. The drug had sales of around $29 million during the 12-month period ending in March, according to IMS Health.