Efficacy of esomeprazole 40 mg vs. lansoprazole 30 mg for healing moderate to severe erosive oesophagitis

Abstract

Secondary analyses from previous studies indicated that esomeprazole was more effective than lansoprazole and omeprazole in healing moderate or severe (Los Angeles grades C or D) erosive oesophagitis (EE). To compare prospectively healing rates with esomeprazole vs. lansoprazole in patients with moderate to severe EE. In this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial, adult patients with endoscopically confirmed moderate or severe EE received esomeprazole 40 mg (n = 498) or lansoprazole 30 mg (n = 501) once daily for up to 8 weeks. The primary end point was EE healing through week 8. Secondary assessments included investigator-assessed resolution of symptoms and safety and tolerability. Time to healing was significantly different (P = 0.007), favouring esomeprazole. Estimated healing rates at week 8 were 82.4% with esomeprazole 40 mg and 77.5% with lansoprazole 30 mg. Heartburn resolved at week 4 in 72% and 64% of patients who received esomeprazole and lansoprazole, respectively (P = 0.005). Control of other GERD symptoms was similar between treatments. Both treatments were well tolerated. With 8 weeks' treatment, esomeprazole 40 mg once daily heals moderate to severe EE faster and in more patients, and resolves heartburn in more patients after 4 weeks of treatment, than lansoprazole 30 mg once daily.