Efficacy and tolerability of a novel galactomannan-based formulation for symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

L. Abenavoli, C. Luigiano, R. Pendlimari, S. Fagoonee, R. Pellicano

Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy. rinaldo_pellican@hotmail.com

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• Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and traditional antacids are the common standard set of therapy for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. The aim of the current study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of a novel galactomannan-based liquid formulation in reducing typical GERD symptoms in patients not taking PPIs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Sixty patients met the eligibility criteria and were treated either with the investigational product (RefluG™) or placebo, one sachet three times per day for 14 consecutive days. Symptom intensity/frequency and quality of life were assessed over the course of the study by Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) and GERD-Health related Quality of life (HRQL) Questionnaire, respectively. The primary endpoint was to determine the number of subjects with at least 30% symptoms reduction from baseline to day 14 compared to placebo.

RESULTS: RefluG™ was statistically superior to placebo (p <0.001) as 100% of subjects experienced at least 30% symptoms reduction at the end of the study while none achieved a 30% reduction in the placebo group. For all domains both after 7 and 14 days of treatment, significant improvement in HRQL was seen in the active group in comparison to placebo. Tolerability and safety were good and comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The investigational product was safe and effective as mono-therapy in providing early resolution of troublesome GERD symptoms as well as for improving quality of life.

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