US drug companies battle over dyspepsia drugs

The recent decision by the US Food and Drug Administration to approve several drugs for dyspepsia for sale over the counter has led to increased rivalry among drug manufacturers. Three products have now been approved for non-prescription use, and a fourth goes before the administration later this month.

Remedies for dyspepsia rank only just behind analgesics and preparations for use in common colds on the nation's pharmacy shelves. The first drug of its class to receive approval …