Understanding What's Behind the Burn and Bitter Taste May Help Adults Better Manage Their Symptoms

Teaneck, NJ and Titusville, NJ - April 21, 2004 - Heartburn, regurgitation and belching are terms that conjure up sensations of discomfort and feelings of embarrassment. And while these symptoms are not pleasant to talk about, they occasionally come up in conversation, usually followed by the words “Excuse me.” Because such persistent symptoms may be the body's way of saying that something is wrong, they should not be ignored. It is important that people listen to their bodies and understand what may be triggering these warning signs. With this in mind, the program Gut and Gurgle U™ has been developed by Eisai Inc. and Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc., co-promoters of ACIPHEX® (rabeprazole sodium), to educate adults about the science of acid reflux disease, how the disease affects the body and what can be done to manage the condition. Adults can also learn more about Gut and Gurgle U and acid reflux disease through the new Web site - www.gutandgurgleu.com.

Heartburn is a part of history. From the ancient Egyptians to former U.S. presidents, the burn has been felt for centuries. Currently, more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. For some, the remedy is as easy as a change in diet, like avoiding spicy foods, or taking an antacid. For others, however, heartburn and regurgitation are persistent, chronic symptoms that return several times a week, if not every day. For these individuals, acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may be at the heart of their burn. Persistent heartburn occurring two or more days per week, despite dietary changes and treatment with various over-the-counter medications, is the most common symptom of GERD. It is a chronic condition that affects some 21 million Americans. Acid reflux disease needs to be diagnosed by a physician.

“The body - sometimes it's stinky. Sometimes it's crusty. And sometimes it's slimy. But hey, it's the body and it's a fascinating machine,” said Sylvia Branzei, “professor” of Gut and Gurgle U and well-known author of the book series and national touring exhibit Grossology®. “It may be embarrassing to talk about, but by understanding what's behind that burn, bitter taste or belch, adults can become better listeners to what their bodies may be trying to tell them, and better equipped to seek treatment.”

Acid reflux disease is a condition that often results when a valve located at the end of the esophagus malfunctions. When this valve relaxes inappropriately, it may allow stomach acid to splash up and irritate the lining of the esophagus, creating the sensation called heartburn, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Frequent, persistent heartburn is the primary symptom associated with acid reflux disease or GERD. However, physicians can prescribe ACIPHEX, a medication that can help the body help itself by managing acid production and its effects.

“Don't ignore the body's sometimes impolite way of making a point that there may be a problem,” said Stephen A. Brunton, MD, Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, University of California, Irvine. “Chronic heartburn, regurgitation and belching may in fact be warnings signs of acid reflux disease, or GERD, and adults should discuss lifestyle adjustments and appropriate treatment options, like ACIPHEX, with a physician.”

For some people, prolonged or repeated exposure to stomach acid can begin to erode, or wear away, the lining of the esophagus, causing pain and more serious problems. This type of damage to the esophagus is called erosive esophagitis. ACIPHEX is proven to help the body help itself by managing stomach acid and its effects for people with acid reflux disease or erosive esophagitis.

Gut and Gurgle U has been developed to educate the adult student body about the science of the body and how to identify and manage the symptoms of acid reflux disease or GERD, a potentially serious but treatable condition. To learn more about acid reflux disease and Gut and Gurgle U, visit www.gutandgurgleu.com.

About ACIPHEX
Indications for ACIPHEX include the treatment of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), healing of and symptom relief of erosive GERD, maintenance of healed erosive GERD and reduction of relapse rates of heartburn symptoms, and healing of and symptom relief of duodenal ulcers.

ACIPHEX has a well-established safety record. The most common side effect possibly related to ACIPHEX is headache. Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions. Patients also on warfarin (such as Coumadin®) may need to be monitored more closely by their doctor.

About Eisai Inc.
Eisai Inc. is a U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., a research-based human health care company that discovers, develops and markets products in more than 30 countries. Established in 1995, Eisai Inc. began marketing its first product in the United States in 1997 and has rapidly grown to become an integrated pharmaceutical business with sales of nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2002 (year ending March 31, 2003). Eisai Inc. employs a total of more than 850 people at its headquarters in Teaneck, NJ, at its state-of-the-art pharmaceutical production and formulation research and development facility in Research Triangle Park, NC, and in the field. Between 1998 and 2002, Eisai Inc. moved up rapidly in the rankings of U.S. pharmaceutical companies (based on revenues) from number 44 to 23.

About Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc.
Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has a long track record in developing and marketing treatments for gastrointestinal conditions. Based in Titusville, NJ, its other specialty areas include pain management, treatments for fungal infections and therapy for central nervous system disorders. More information on the company can be found at www.janssen.com

For more information about ACIPHEX (rabeprazole sodium), visit www.aciphex.com or call Eisai at 1-888-4ACIPHEX [1-888-422-4743] or Janssen Pharmaceutica at 1-800-JANSSEN [1-800-526-7736]. Visit the company Web sites at www.eisai.com and www.janssen.com. Please see package insert for full prescribing information.

Source: www.eisai.com