GERD Clinical Trials 2023

What Are GERD Clinical Trials?

GERD is the abbreviation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. The condition is characterized by the repeated flow of stomach acid back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. The acid reflux irritates the esophagus lining. Many individuals experience acid reflux. However, if acid reflux occurs repeatedly, it can lead to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Common GERD symptoms include heartburn after eating, the backwash of food, chest pain, and dysphagia.

GERD clinical trials are conducted to review and learn new ways to diagnose, prevent, and treat the disease. Recent studies are focused on discovering Voice-enabled AI for GERD diagnosis and the impact of diaphragmatic breathing on gastroesophageal reflux.

Why Is GERD Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

The occurrence of GERD is becoming common. According to a research finding, GERD prevalence was 22.8 percent. Moreover, nearly 26.2 percent of women were affected by it, higher than men (18.9 percent). GERD can occur at any age. Eighty-four percent more children between 2 and 17 were hospitalized in 2005 compared to 1998. The cost of hospitalization for GERD in 2005 was $622 million.

The Niddk statistics show that 4.7 million individuals were hospitalized, and approximately 1,653 deaths occurred because of GERD in 2010. The condition can develop due to obesity, smoking, and medication such as antidepressants and painkillers.

Due to high prevalence and hospitalization costs, GERD clinical trials are being carried out actively by researchers worldwide. Through these studies, researchers can determine how GERD impacts lives, how people react to different treatments, and how lifestyle changes can ease symptoms. Clinical trials are essential to control and minimize the prevalence of GERD in adults and children.

What Are the Types of Treatments Available for GERD?

Multiple treatments are available for managing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. These include non-prescription and prescription medications. For example, a clinical trial was performed to determine the efficacy of esomeprazole for GERD. Despite controversies, the trial results showed that 40 mg esomeprazole given to patients for eight weeks healed erosive GERD at a higher rate.

Surgical treatments for GERD such as:

• Fundoplication
• LINX device 
• TIF (Transoral incisionless fundoplication) 

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials for GERD?

2017: Addition of alginate-antacid (Gaviscon Double Action) to proton pump inhibitor therapy- This study concluded that by adding Gaviscon to PPI therapy, GERD symptoms were reduced. However, a similar response was also witnessed for the placebo. Hence, more research is underway.

2020: LINX® Reflux Management System to Bridge the “Treatment Gap”-This systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. Over 35 studies and clinical trials were observed to investigate the efficacy and safety of MSA (magnetic sphincter augmentation) using the LINX® device to resolve GERD symptoms. A total of 2511 patients were included. 

The findings suggest that MSA effectively minimizes typical GERD symptoms. It bridges the gap between Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) and maxed-out treatments. LINX system treatment is intended for patients who are not suitable candidates for LF and have unsatisfactory results with other medical treatments.

Who Are Some of the Key Opinion Leaders / Researchers / Institutions Conducting GERD Clinical Trial Research?

The National Institute Of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts clinical trials to gain new knowledge on many health conditions and diseases, including gastric diseases.

Division of Gastroenterology DoM at Penn is a dedicated and robust unit with more than 70 faculty members. They have scientific and clinical expertise covering multiple areas of modern gastroenterology.