GERD sufferers sought for study on investigational heartburn treatment
August 26th, 2010 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
Researchers in Sacramento, Calif., are looking for people who still experience troublesome symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) even while taking heartburn medication, to participate in a study to evaluate an investigational heartburn treatment.
Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, or a burning sensation under the breastbone, burning in the back of the throat due to regurgitation of stomach acid, nausea and vomiting. If left untreated, GERD can result in painful inflammation or ulcers in the esophagus, scar tissue in the esophagus, Barrett’s esophagus, cough and asthma, inflammation and infection in the lungs, inflammation of the throat and larynx, and even fluid in the sinuses and middle ears.
Currently, there are few safe and effective treatments for GERD, and some prescription medications to treat the condition, such as Reglan (metoclopramide) now carry a black box warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for side effects that include the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements of the muscles in the face, arms and torso.
In order to qualify for the medical study, participants must be 18 to 65 years of age and currently be taking an FDA-approved dose of heartburn medication. Qualified participants will receive lab work, study related medical care and medication, and $600 for completion of the study.
For more information or to sign up for the study, visit the GERD study page at the Clinical Connection’s website.