Nexium 24HR to launch late May

NEW YORK — Pfizer's Nexium 24HR will launch May 27, Pfizer reported in a conference call Monday. 

"[The Nexium] approval represents the first significant milestone in executing our Rx-to-OTC strategy," reported Albert Bouria, Pfizer president of vaccines, oncology and consumer. 

The Food and Drug Administration in March approved over-the-counter Nexium 24HR (esomeprazole 20mg). In 2012, Pfizer acquired exclusive global rights from AstraZeneca to market non-prescription Nexium.