Clinical trial: the effects of the proton pump inhibitor dexlansoprazole MR on daytime and nighttime heartburn in patients with non-erosive reflux disease

The proportion of patients who respond to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is about 20% lower in those with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) than in those with erosive oesophagitis. To assess efficacy and safety of dexlansoprazole MR, a PPI using Dual Delayed Release technology, in NERD patients. In this 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 947 NERD patients randomly received dexlansoprazole MR 30 mg, 60 mg or placebo once daily (QD). The percentages of 24-h heartburn-free days (primary) and nights without heartburn (secondary) were assessed from patients' daily diaries. Investigators also assessed symptoms. Patients completed validated quality of life and symptom severity questionnaires. Dexlansoprazole MR provided significantly greater median percentages of 24-h heartburn-free days (54.9% and 50.0% for the 30- and 60-mg doses vs. 17.5% for placebo, P < 0.00001) and nights without heartburn (80.8% and 76.9% vs. 51.7%, P < 0.00001 vs. placebo). Dexlansoprazole MR also reduced symptom severity. Quality of life improvements in patients receiving dexlansoprazole MR were consistent with clinical efficacy endpoints. Percentages of patients experiencing treatment-emergent adverse events were similar among groups. Dexlansoprazole MR 30 and 60 mg were superior to placebo in providing 24-h heartburn-free days and nights in NERD patients. Treatment was well tolerated.