Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a medical condition affecting the stomach and esophagus. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and stomach contents leaks back (refluxes) into the esophagus. GERD is one of the most common medical disorders, with estimates of up to 50% of adults reporting symptoms related to gastric reflux. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as pantoprazole can relieve symptoms of GERD in a large proportion of patients.
When refluxed stomach acidic content touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This sensation is often referred to as heartburn. Some patients have symptoms of GERD without visible destruction of the tissue surface (no visible changes by endoscopic examination).
The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of pantoprazole on the complete remission of GERD. Complete remission is defined as endoscopically confirmed healing and symptom relief after a maximum of 12-week treatment period. Pantoprazole will be administered once daily in the morning. Endoscopy will be performed at the start of the study, and then as required after 4, 8, or 12 weeks. The study will provide further data on safety and tolerability of pantoprazole.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Main Inclusion Criteria:
* Outpatients
* Reflux disease-related symptoms for at least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, in the previous 12 months or endoscopically confirmed reflux esophagitis grade A to D, according to LA-classification
Main Exclusion Criteria:
* Regular intake of systemic glucocorticosteroids, NSAIDs including COX-2 inhibitors on \>3 consecutive days per week within the previous 28 days; exception: regular intake of acetylsalicylic acid up to a daily dose of 150 mg/day
* Intake of PPIs (proton pump inhibitor) during the last 10 days, of histamine 2-receptor antagonists or prokinetics during the last 5 days, intake of sucralfate during the last 2 days before the start of the study
* Intake of PPIs in combination with antibiotics for eradication of H. pylori during the last 28 days prior to study start
* Eradication of H. pylori during the last 28 days prior to study start
* Acute peptic ulcer and/or ulcer complications
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
complete reflux disease remission rate after 8 weeks of treatment defined as symptom relief assessed by reflux questionnaire (ReQuest Trademark) and endoscopically confirmed healing.