Comparing two doses of vonoprazan and esomeprazole for healing moderate-to-severe reflux esophagitis in 8 weeks

Study Comparing Vonaprazan 10 mg, Vonaprazan 20 mg, and Esomeprazole 40 mg for the Healing of LA Grade B or Higher Reflux Esophagitis at 8 Weeks

Not applicable Interventional Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India · NCT06953986

This study will test whether taking vonoprazan (10 mg or 20 mg) or esomeprazole 40 mg once daily heals moderate-to-severe reflux esophagitis after 8 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment414 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorAsian Institute of Gastroenterology, India Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Hyderabad, Telangana)
Trial IDNCT06953986 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with endoscopically confirmed LA grade B, C, or D reflux esophagitis are randomized 1:1:1 to vonoprazan 10 mg, vonoprazan 20 mg, or esomeprazole 40 mg once daily for 8 weeks in an open-label, parallel-group, non-inferiority design with blinded outcome assessment. Randomization is stratified by baseline esophagitis severity (LA B vs C/D). The primary endpoint is endoscopic mucosal healing at 8 weeks, with secondary endpoints including change in GERD-Q symptom score and incidence of adverse events. Key procedures include baseline and week-8 endoscopy, interim symptom check at week 4, and safety monitoring throughout treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with endoscopically confirmed LA grade B, C, or D reflux esophagitis and at least 4 weeks of GERD symptoms who can provide consent and attend the Hyderabad study site are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with Barrett's esophagus, esophageal stricture or malignancy, prior esophageal surgery or radiation, PPI-refractory disease, significant liver or kidney impairment, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or current use of NSAIDs/steroids/anticoagulants are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, vonoprazan could offer equal or better healing and symptom relief within 8 weeks compared with standard esomeprazole, providing an alternative acid suppression option.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of vonoprazan and other potassium-competitive acid blockers have shown equal or faster acid suppression and comparable or superior healing to proton pump inhibitors, so this approach builds on emerging positive evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ≥18 years of age.
* Endoscopically confirmed LA grade B, C, or D reflux esophagitis.
* GERD symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation) for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
* Willing to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous or ongoing treatment with Vonaprazan or Esomeprazole in the last 4 weeks.
* Prior esophageal surgery or radiation therapy.
* Barrett's esophagus, esophageal stricture, or malignancy.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
* History of PPI-refractory GERD or severe gastroparesis.
* Significant hepatic or renal impairment (ALT/AST \>3× ULN, eGFR \<30 mL/min).
* Use of NSAIDs, steroids, or anticoagulants affecting healing.

Where this trial is running

Hyderabad, Telangana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions GERD
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.