The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if study drug Fosamprenavir-Sodium Alginate (FOS-SA) administered orally improves symptoms for Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)-refractory Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Does FOS-SA significantly improve heartburn severity over the 8-week treatment period
2. Does FOS-SA significantly improve regurgitation frequency over the 8-week treatment period
3. Does FOS-SA significantly improve symptoms of persistent GERD over the 8-week treatment period
Researchers will compare FOS-SA to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no active drug) to see if FOS-SA works to treat PPI-refractory GERD.
Participants will:
1. Take FOS-SA or placebo every day BID (twice a day) for 8 weeks
2. Visit the Adult Translational Research Unit (ATRU) seven times for consenting, screening, and checkups and tests
3. Keep a daily diary of their symptoms of persistent GERD
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 64 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.
Inclusion criteria
. Patient aged 18-65 selected as candidate for anti-reflux surgery by study providers.
. Patient has received, and continued having GERD symptoms during, standard-labeled dose, daily, PPI therapy for a minimum of 8 weeks before the Screening Visit.
. Patient has a diagnosis of GERD with endoscopy and/or pH-metry test within the past two years demonstrating 1 or more of the following:
. Erosive esophagitis (Grade A or greater based on the Los Angeles classification of esophagitis; Appendix 3)
. Evidence of pathological acid reflux (pH \< 4 for ≥ 4-6% off therapy or ≥ 1-4% on therapy) during a 24-hour time interval of pH testing
. Patient reports heartburn severity (HS, Item #1 on mRESQ-eD) ≥ 3 (moderate) on at least 2 days and has an average HS of ≥ 2 (mild) during the last 7 days of the Pretreatment Period before Randomization.
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
Weekly Heartburn Severity Score
Timeframe: Ten days of pre-screening and dailyfor 8 weeks.
. Patient is suspected of having, functional upper gastrointestinal disorders such as functional dyspepsia or functional heartburn diagnosed by the Rome IV criteria; Appendix 4.
. Patient has endoscopically confirmed eosinophilic esophagitis (EE).