Mechanism-guided versus acid-suppressing treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux
The MVP Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mechanism Guided vs PPI Strategy for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
This compares a treatment tailored to throat‑specific causes with standard acid‑suppressing pills for adults who have laryngopharyngeal reflux (throat reflux).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196210 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be randomly assigned to either a personalized, mechanism‑guided laryngeal recalibration program that targets mechanical and cognitive contributors to throat symptoms or to usual care with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Researchers will use diagnostic measures such as acid exposure time, a risk prediction score, and salivary biomarkers (pepsin, bile acids) to guide treatment decisions and track changes. The trial will measure symptom relief, quality of life, healthcare use, and PPI exposure over follow‑up. The team combines clinicians and researchers experienced in throat disorders and novel diagnostic tests to try to improve clarity and outcomes for people with persistent laryngeal symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and over) with persistent laryngeal/throat symptoms suspected to be laryngopharyngeal reflux would be the ideal candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People under 21, those with only classic heartburn/acid reflux without throat symptoms, or those unable or unwilling to attend behavioral therapy or clinic visits may not benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help people with throat reflux get clearer diagnoses and more effective, targeted treatments while avoiding unnecessary long‑term PPI use.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot work and clinical research from the team suggest mechanism‑targeted laryngeal recalibration and biomarker approaches are promising, but direct randomized comparisons to standard PPI care are limited.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yadlapati, Rena Hiren — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Yadlapati, Rena Hiren
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.