Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease News and Research

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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common. GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices—called acids—rise up with the food. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach.

Inflammatory response prompted by secretion of cytokines causes acid reflux damage in GERD patients

The "acid" in "acid reflux" may not be the direct cause of damage to the esophagus as previously suspected, according to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Dallas VA Medical Center.

18 May 2016

Acid suppression drugs frequently prescribed for high-risk newborns, study shows

Since 2006, several published studies have associated the use of some acid suppression medications in hospitalized high-risk babies with infections, necrotizing enterocolitis and increased risk of death. Those medications - histamine-2 receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine (Zantac and others), and proton pump inhibitors, such as esomeprazole (Nexium and others) - were originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults and older children.

27 Apr 2016

Newly identified molecular pathway could lead to new treatments for reflux, incontinence disorders

Researchers at UMass Medical School have identified a new molecular pathway critical for maintaining the smooth muscle tone that allows the passage of materials through the digestive system.

25 Apr 2016

Zurampic (lesinurad) approved to treat high levels of hyperuricemia associated with gout

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Zurampic (lesinurad) to treat high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) associated with gout, when used in combination with a xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI), a type of drug approved to reduce the production of uric acid in the body.

22 Dec 2015

People who experience persistent heartburn despite over-the-counter treatments need to check with their doctors

If Thanksgiving makes you wince at the thought of impending heartburn pain, you are probably not alone. But if you experience heartburn more than twice a week despite over-the-counter treatments, a Jefferson expert wants you to check with your doctor. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week is observed each year during the week of Thanksgiving, a fitting time as Americans prepare to indulge in the holiday season.

23 Nov 2015

Stony Brook Medicine expert shares tips to minimize heartburn during holiday season

The holiday season is upon us and most days and nights will be filled with delicious festivities! However, with millions of Americans suffering from heartburn, fear may set in when anticipating these celebrations.

23 Nov 2015

EndoGastric Solutions announces assignment of relative value units for new CPT code covering TIF procedure

EndoGastric Solutions® (EGS), a leader in incisionless procedural therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), today announced the Federal Register has posted coding and payment information specific to the new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)® code covering the Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF®) procedure.

4 Nov 2015

Medigus announces CMS’ publication of fee schedules for endoscopic fundoplication procedures under CPT code 43210 effective January 2016

Medigus Ltd., a medical device company developing minimally invasive endosurgical tools and a leader in direct visualization technology, today announced that following the American Medical Association’s (AMA) decision earlier this year to create a new Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code for esophagogastric fundoplast...

3 Nov 2015

IPF-PRO Registry data sheds light on characteristics of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceutical, Inc. today announced initial results of the first 49 people enrolled in the IPF-PRO Registry, which shed light on characteristics of people with IPF at the time of diagnosis.

23 Oct 2015

Camber Pharmaceuticals releases generic version of Nexium (Esomeprazole) capsules

Camber Pharmaceuticals is pleased to announce that it has launched Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules, 20 mg and 40 mg, which is the generic version of Nexium (Esomeprazole) capsules from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. The product is indicated for the treatment of heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and for a damaged esophagus.

24 Sep 2015

New, FDA-approved device provides minimally invasive approach to chronic GERD

Approximately 20 million Americans will experience some type of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in their lives. In some cases, patients suffer resulting heart burn or acid regurgitation so severe that they require surgery to repair damage to their esophagus.

23 Sep 2015

Lannett enters into definitive agreement to purchase KU for $1.23 billion

Lannett Company, Inc. today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals Inc., the U.S. specialty generic pharmaceuticals subsidiary of global biopharmaceuticals company UCB S.A., for $1.23 billion, plus potential contingency payments.

3 Sep 2015

Scientists elucidate chemical process behind eosinophilic esophagitis

Scientists from the D'Or Institute of Research and Education, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the Yale University School of Medicine have elucidated the chemical process behind a mysterious gastrointestinal disease that is becoming more frequent every day: the eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), also known as the "asthma of the esophagus".

1 Sep 2015

Mylan announces launch of Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-release Capsules USP in U.S.

Mylan N.V. today announced the U.S. launch of Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-release Capsules USP, 20 mg and 40 mg, which is the generic version of AstraZeneca's Nexium.

6 Aug 2015

Proton pump inhibitors linked to increased risk of heart attack

People who use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are up to 21% more likely to experience a heart attack than people who do not use the antacids, according to researchers from Stanford University, California.

11 Jun 2015

NGS mutational testing can help detect patients with Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus (BE) develops in a subset of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can increase the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus. Although periodic surveillance for cancer is recommended for BE patients, these examinations may fail to identify pre-cancerous dysplasia and early cancers.

9 Jun 2015

Long-term treatment of GERD: an interview with Chris Rowland, CEO, Medigus

To control reflux symptoms, many people take acid-controlling medications such as Proton Pump Inhibitors, or PPIs. The FDA, however, has issued warnings over the frequent or long-term continued use of PPIs...

18 May 2015

Studies support use of ThyraMIR and ThyGenX to improve detection of benign/malignant thyroid nodules

Data will be presented at both Digestive Disease Week (DDW) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) annual medical meetings.

18 May 2015

TWi signs Settlement Agreement with Takeda on patent litigation related to generic Dexilant

TWi Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a Settlement Agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (individually and collectively, "Takeda") to settle and dismiss all outstanding patent litigation related to TWi's generic dexlansoprazole delayed release capsules for oral administration in 30 mg and 60 mg dosage strengths.

27 Apr 2015

Incidence of esophageal cancer linked to GERD rises six-fold in recent decades

Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest-growing and deadliest cancers in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 17,000 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in 2015. Incidence of adenocarcinoma, a type of esophageal cancer linked to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) has risen six-fold in recent decades.

21 Apr 2015