February 2 (HealthDay News) -- Takeda Pharmaceuticals said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Kapidex, a reformulated version of its popular acid reflux drug Prevacid.

The newer medication, generically known as dexlansoprazole, is among a class of drugs called proton-pump inhibitors, designed to prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition occurs when excess stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Prevacid's patent expires in November.

The new formulation spreads out the medication's release into two separate doses, Takeda said in a news release.

GERD affects some 19 million Americans and is characterized by persistent heartburn that occurs at least two days a week, the drug maker said.