Could a simple pill replace uncomfortable scopes for diagnosing acid reflux?

NCT ID NCT07707011

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Diagnosis Sponsor: Mahidol University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a 7-day course of the acid-blocking drug vonoprazan can guide treatment for adults with frequent heartburn or regurgitation as effectively as standard tests like endoscopy and 24-hour pH monitoring. Participants are randomly assigned to either the drug-test group or the standard-test group, and their symptoms are tracked over 4 weeks. The goal is to see if the simpler drug test can accurately identify who needs acid-suppressing therapy, potentially avoiding invasive procedures.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: vonoprazan (a potassium-competitive acid blocker) as a diagnostic test, followed by treatment with vonoprazan, omeprazole, or nortriptyline based on response
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a simpler, less invasive way to diagnose and treat acid reflux, potentially replacing uncomfortable tests like endoscopy and 24-hour pH monitoring.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial (120 participants) and the PCAB test may not be as accurate as standard physiologic testing, leading to misdiagnosis or less effective treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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