Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects around 20% of adults in Western countries, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and in some cases esophageal damage. While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) control symptoms for most, many people have ongoing symptoms or want to reduce long-term medication use.
What's actually going on in research
Potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) like vonoprazan produce faster and more complete acid suppression than PPIs and are being tested for GERD, erosive esophagitis, and H. pylori eradication. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX device) and newer antireflux procedures are being compared with laparoscopic fundoplication for symptom control and dysphagia rate. Alginate-based and other barrier-forming treatments are in trials for breakthrough symptoms in PPI users.
Potassium-competitive acid blockers
P-CABs like vonoprazan achieve stronger and faster acid suppression than PPIs. Trials are comparing them to standard PPIs for healing erosive esophagitis and controlling GERD symptoms long-term.
Magnetic sphincter augmentation
The LINX magnetic bead bracelet reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter and is being compared with laparoscopic fundoplication in trials for durability, side effects, and patient preference.
Endoscopic anti-reflux procedures
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) and radiofrequency ablation of the sphincter are being compared with surgery and medical therapy in controlled trials.
What to know before you search
Eligibility depends on symptom frequency, erosive vs. non-erosive disease, prior PPI use and response, and for procedure trials, anatomic assessment of the hiatus.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug trials — Testing new acid-suppressive agents, P-CABs, and combination therapies for GERD symptom control.
- Surgical trials — Comparing fundoplication techniques and magnetic sphincter augmentation for durable reflux control.
- Endoscopic procedure trials — Evaluating TIF, Stretta, and other endoscopic approaches as alternatives to surgery or medication.
- Barrett's esophagus trials — Testing endoscopic ablation and cancer surveillance strategies in GERD-related Barrett's esophagus.
- Lifestyle trials — Testing dietary, weight loss, and positional interventions on GERD frequency and severity.
Recently added Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease trials
Comparison of Double-tract and Tubular Gastric Anastomosis in Proximal Gastric Cancer
This study includes patients diagnosed with proximal gastric cancer (Siewert type II/III, cT1-3N0-1M0) across six tertiary hospitals, who underwent either double-tract reconstruction (DTR) or tubular gastric anastomosis (TGA). Participants were divided into two groups based on the surgical procedure. We conducted a comparative analysis of postoperative outcomes by evaluating electronic medical records, postoperative gastroscopy, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, and relevant rating scales.
Development of a Preparation for Supportive Supplementation of Probiotics in Patients With Reflux
A two-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study investigating the efficacy of a probiotic preparation developed as supportive supplementation of probiotics in patients with reflux. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effect of the probiotic dietary supplement on the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in patients diagnosed with GERD who are on PPI therapy. The study will also monitor changes in the oral microbiome and the impact of probiotic supplementation on patient quality of life and GERD symptoms. Patients will take the probiotic preparation, 2 tablets twice daily (morning before meals and evening after meals). The experimental phase will last 6 weeks. Patients in the control arm will receive placebo. Supplementation will be discontinued if adverse effects occur. Oral and rectal swabs will be taken before and after administration of the preparation. Patients will monitor their symptoms using a questionnaire.
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