Skip to main content

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroenterology
19
Pipeline Programs
19
Companies
41
Clinical Trials
2 recruiting
0
Approved Products

Pipeline by Development Stage

Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 1/2
Phase 2
Phase 2/3
Phase 3
On Market
0
1
1
1
1
11
4
Early DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentMarket

Drug Modality Breakdown

Small Molecule
13100%
+ 25 programs with unclassified modality

Gastroenterology is a $7.3B market characterized by mature, blockbuster-driven portfolios with near-term patent cliff risks.

$7.3B marketMature→ Stable30 products15 companies

Key Trends

  • AbbVie dominance with 43% of top-10 product spending (LINZESS, CREON, RINVOQ)
  • Guanylate cyclase activators and JAK inhibitors driving innovation in constipation and IBD
  • Multiple patent expirations 2026–2030 creating biosimilar and generic erosion headwinds

Career Verdict

Gastroenterology offers stable, well-compensated roles but limited growth upside; best for risk-averse professionals seeking established markets over innovation-driven career trajectories.

AI-generated market analysis based on FDA, CMS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and hiring data

Market Leaders

#1LINZESSStable
$1.8B
AbbVie·Peak7.7yr
#2CREONDeclining
$1.5B
AbbVie·LOE Approaching
#3XIFAXANDeclining
$1.1B
Bausch Health·LOE Approaching
#4RINVOQGrowing
$976M
AbbVie·Peak11.8yr
#5XELJANZ XRStable
$586M
Pfizer·Peak8.3yr

Drug Class Breakdown

Unknown Mechanism
$2.5B(34%)

mature portfolio anchor

Guanylate Cyclase Activators
$1.9B(27%)

well-established class

Pancreatic Enzymes
$1.5B(20%)

facing biosimilar competition

Janus Kinase Inhibitors
$976M(13%)

growing IBD adoption

Proton Pump Inhibitors
$107M(1%)

commoditized

Career Outlook

Stable

Gastroenterology is a stable, mature market anchored by blockbusters with long patent runways (LINZESS to 2034, RINVOQ to 2038) but faces near-term erosion (XELJANZ 2026). Employment growth is modest and concentrated in device/diagnostic firms rather than pure-pharma. Best for professionals seeking predictable revenue streams over high-risk innovation bets.

Breaking In

Target roles at Roche, J&J, or diagnostic-adjacent firms to maximize hiring volume; pure pharma gastro entry points at AbbVie/Pfizer are limited and highly competitive.

For Experienced Professionals

Leverage gastro expertise in broader GI/immunology roles (Takeda, Novartis) or transition to medical devices/diagnostics where hiring is 3x higher than pharma.

In-Demand Skills

IBD and IBS indication expertiseJAK inhibitor pharmacologyMedical device integration (diagnostics, endoscopy)Generic/biosimilar launch readinessReal-world evidence generation

Best For

Medical Science Liaison (IBD/IBS focus)Commercial Manager (Generic Launch)Clinical Operations SpecialistMarket Access/Reimbursement StrategistRegulatory Affairs (small molecule focus)

Hiring Landscape

$70K-$213K

Total hiring across the gastro ecosystem is 1,818 jobs, dominated by engineering (434) and commercial roles (269). Roche leads absolute hiring at 377 roles, followed by Johnson & Johnson (323) and GE HealthCare (293), reflecting broad medical device and diagnostic involvement alongside pharma. AbbVie's gastro-specific hiring (78 jobs) is modest relative to its portfolio dominance.

1,818
Open Roles
4
Companies Hiring
3
Departments

Top Hiring Companies

377Growing
293Stable
78Stable

By Department

Engineering(24%)
$169K
Commercial(15%)
$176K
Manufacturing(10%)
$213K

Manufacturing and commercial roles command premium salaries ($213K and $176K respectively), but total gastro-pharma hiring is concentrated in Roche and J&J, not pure-play GI companies.

Competitive Landscape

18 companies ranked by most advanced pipeline stage

AstraZeneca
AstraZenecaCAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom
11 programs
4
2
EsomeprazolePhase 4Small Molecule1 trial
EsomeprazolePhase 4Small Molecule1 trial
EsomeprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
EsomeprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
EsomeprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
+6 more programs
Active Trials
NCT00567021Completed67,130Est. Dec 2005
NCT00181805Completed25Est. Dec 2014
NCT00170001Completed500Est. Aug 2006
+8 more trials
Ferrosan
FerrosanDenmark - Søborg
1 program
1
AfluraxPhase 41 trial
Active Trials
NCT00184522Completed82Est. Dec 2004
Otsuka
OtsukaJapan - Tokushima
1 program
1
LansoprazolePhase 4Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT02755753Completed143Est. Apr 2016
Pfizer
PfizerNEW YORK, NY
6 programs
1
5
Pantoprazole for approximately 9 weeksPhase 31 trial
pantoprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
pantoprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
pantoprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated spheroidPhase 31 trial
+1 more programs
Active Trials
NCT00744419Completed24Est. Apr 2012
NCT00141817Completed41Est. Nov 2007
NCT00037570Completed12Est. Feb 2002
+5 more trials
Taiho Pharma
Taiho PharmaJapan - Tokyo
1 program
1
LafutidinePhase 3
Norgine
NorgineAustria - Vienna
1 program
1
ZegeridPhase 31 trial
Active Trials
NCT01493089Completed239Est. Oct 2011
Astellas
AstellasChina - Shenyang
1 program
1
FamotidinePhase 2/31 trial
Active Trials
NCT00141960Completed480
Addex Therapeutics
Addex TherapeuticsSwitzerland - Geneva
1 program
1
ADX10059Phase 23 trials
Active Trials
NCT00810485Completed298
NCT00820105Terminated350
NCT00820079Completed120
Integrated Biosciences
Integrated BiosciencesCA - San Carlos
1 program
1
Tongjiang granulePhase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05312463Unknown228Est. Oct 2024
Takeda
TakedaTOKYO, Japan
4 programs
24 hour pH testingN/A1 trial
Natural History of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) in Children < 12 Years of AgeN/A1 trial
Relationship and Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux and Dental/Periodontal DiseaseN/A1 trial
PantoprazolePHASE_4Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00523367Terminated25Est. Oct 2010
NCT01048840Completed100Est. Dec 2014
NCT01167543Completed79Est. Nov 2008
+1 more trials
Eisai
EisaiChina - Liaoning
3 programs
Rabeprazole sodiumPHASE_11 trial
Rabeprazole sodium 5 mgPHASE_31 trial
rabeprazole and pantoprazolePHASE_4Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00855361Completed69Est. Dec 2011
NCT00992589Completed344Est. Nov 2011
NCT00237367Completed52Est. Apr 2005
Oregon Therapeutics
Oregon TherapeuticsFrance - Paris
1 program
Straight leg raise maneuverN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT04813029Unknown336Est. Dec 2021
Bayer
BayerLEVERKUSEN, Germany
1 program
hydrotalciteN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT07291700Recruiting167Est. Apr 2026
Phathom Pharmaceuticals
Phathom PharmaceuticalsFLORHAM PARK, NJ
1 program
VonoprazanPHASE_11 trial
Active Trials
NCT05343364Completed24Est. Jun 2023
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals
1 program
IW-3718PHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT02030925Completed93Est. Dec 2014
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals
Catalyst PharmaceuticalsCORAL GABLES, FL
1 program
MHS-1031PHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05556824RecruitingEst. Mar 2026
UCB Pharma
UCB PharmaBelgium - Brussels
1 program
LafutidinePHASE_31 trial
Active Trials
NCT00229424Completed325Est. Jan 2007
Heidelberg Pharma
Heidelberg PharmaGermany - Ladenburg
1 program
esomeprazole 20 mgPHASE_41 trial
Active Trials
NCT00472550Completed16Est. Nov 2006

Trial Timeline

Clinical trial activity over time

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Eisairabeprazole and pantoprazole
OtsukaLansoprazole
Heidelberg Pharmaesomeprazole 20 mg
TakedaPantoprazole
AstraZenecaEsomeprazole
AstraZenecaEsomeprazole
FerrosanAflurax
NorgineZegerid
EisaiRabeprazole sodium 5 mg
Pfizerpantoprazole
Pfizerpantoprazole
Pfizerpantoprazole sodium enteric-coated spheroid
Pfizerpantoprazole
Pfizerpantoprazole
PfizerPantoprazole for approximately 9 weeks

Showing 15 of 41 trials with date data

Clinical Trials (41)

Total enrollment: 79,867 patients across 41 trials

NCT00237367Eisairabeprazole and pantoprazole

A Study of Rabeprazole and Pantoprazole on Stomach Acid and Esophageal Acid Exposure in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and a History of Nighttime Heartburn

Est. completion: Apr 200552 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT02755753OtsukaLansoprazole

A Study to Evaluate REbamiPide as an Adjuvant Regimen to Heal erosIve Reflux Esophagitis

Start: Jan 2014Est. completion: Apr 2016143 patients
Phase 4Completed

Esomeprazole and Gastric Emptying of Beer

Start: Jan 2006Est. completion: Nov 200616 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00246909TakedaPantoprazole

Determination of the Minimal Clinically Important Difference After Treatment With Pantoprazole in Patients With Symptoms of Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) (BY1023/M3-340)

Start: Nov 2005Est. completion: Nov 2006600 patients
Phase 4Completed

Examine National Characteristics & Outcome Measures of GERD Patients Using the PPI Acid Suppression Symptom (PASS) Test for Response

Start: Oct 2005Est. completion: May 20072,000 patients
Phase 4Completed

Validation of RDQ Questionnaire

Start: Sep 2005Est. completion: Nov 2006350 patients
Phase 4Completed

On Demand Treatment of Reflux Disease

Start: Aug 2002Est. completion: Dec 200482 patients
Phase 4Completed

Phase III Study Comparing Zegerid® With Losec® for the Relief of Heartburn Associated With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Start: Apr 2011Est. completion: Oct 2011239 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00992589EisaiRabeprazole sodium 5 mg

Safety and Efficacy of Rabeprazole in Infants With Gastroesophageal Erosive Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Nov 2009Est. completion: Nov 2011344 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00367614Pfizerpantoprazole

Study Evaluating Pantoprazole in Adolescents With GERD

Start: Jan 2007Est. completion: Aug 200720 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00362609Pfizerpantoprazole

Study Evaluating Pantoprazole in Neonates and Preterm Infants With GERD

Start: Jul 2006Est. completion: Dec 200759 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00300755Pfizerpantoprazole sodium enteric-coated spheroid

Study Evaluating Pantoprazole in Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: May 2006Est. completion: Apr 200860 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00868296Pfizerpantoprazole

Open Label Safety Study of Enteric-Coated Spheroid Suspension in Infants Aged Less Than 12 Months With Presumed Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Mar 2006Est. completion: Mar 200858 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00141817Pfizerpantoprazole

Study Evaluating Pantoprazole in Children With GERD

Start: Aug 2005Est. completion: Nov 200741 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00195208PfizerPantoprazole for approximately 9 weeks

Study Comparing a Pantoprazole Formulation to the Currently Marketed Tablet for GERD and Erosive Esophagitis

Start: Jun 2005Est. completion: Nov 200597 patients
Phase 3Completed

Verification Study on Lafutidine in Mild Reflux Oesophagitis - Double Blind Controlled Study With Famotidine -

Start: Apr 2005Est. completion: Jan 2007325 patients
Phase 3Completed

HEARD (Long Term) Study - Histology of the Esophagus in Acid-Related Disease

Start: Apr 2005Est. completion: Jun 2007350 patients
Phase 3Completed

ASTERIX: Low Dose ASA and Nexium

Start: May 2004Est. completion: Sep 2005960 patients
Phase 3Completed

Esomeprazole (NEXIUM) vs. Surgery

Start: Oct 2001Est. completion: Apr 2009626 patients
Phase 3Completed

Open, Randomised, Multi-center Study of on Demand Versus Continuous Esomeprazole Treatment in Patient With GERD

Start: Aug 2001Est. completion: Nov 2002877 patients
Phase 3Completed

Famotidine in Subjects With Non-erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Start: Sep 2005480 patients
Phase 2/3Completed

Multi-Center Study of Panosyl-Isomaltooligosaccharides Adjunctive to PPI Therapy to Treat GERD

Start: Mar 2023Est. completion: Mar 2026
Phase 2Recruiting

Ph2a Study to Evaluate IW-3718 in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Not Completely Responsive to Proton Pump Inhibitors

Start: Feb 2014Est. completion: Dec 201493 patients
Phase 2Completed

ADX10059 as an add-on Therapy to Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Start: Dec 2008298 patients
Phase 2Completed

ADX10059 as a Monotherapy in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Start: Dec 2008120 patients
Phase 2Completed

ADX10059 Migraine Prevention Study

Start: Dec 2008350 patients
Phase 2Terminated
NCT00037570Pfizerpantoprazole

Study Evaluating Pantoprazole in Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage

Start: Nov 2000Est. completion: Feb 200212 patients
Phase 2Completed

Assessment on Effects of Tongjiang Granule in Treating Nonerosive Reflux Disease Overlapping Epigastric Pain Syndrome

Start: Mar 2022Est. completion: Oct 2024228 patients
Phase 1/2Unknown

A Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Safety of Vonoprazan in Adolescents With Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Start: May 2022Est. completion: Jun 202324 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT00855361EisaiRabeprazole sodium

A Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Safety Study of Rabeprazole in New Born Infants With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Jul 2009Est. completion: Dec 201169 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT00744419Pfizerpantoprazole

Intravenous (IV) Pantoprazole for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Neonates and Infants

Start: May 2009Est. completion: Apr 201224 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT07291700Bayerhydrotalcite

Study on Hydrotalcite for Relief of Acid Symptoms Due to Acid Rebound After Stopping Long-Term PPI Therapy

Start: Nov 2025Est. completion: Apr 2026167 patients
N/ARecruiting
NCT04813029Oregon TherapeuticsStraight leg raise maneuver

Thresholds of Straight Leg Raise Maneuver During High-Resolution-Manometry

Start: Jun 2021Est. completion: Dec 2021336 patients
N/AUnknown
NCT00681837AstraZenecaPrevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux During Childhood and Teenage Years in France

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux During Childhood and Teenage Years in France

Start: May 2008Est. completion: Sep 20082,500 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT00523367Takeda24 hour pH testing

COPD Patients Diagnosed With GERD,COPD Exacerbations After Treatment With High Dose PPI

Start: Aug 2007Est. completion: Oct 201025 patients
N/ATerminated

The Influence of Hypnotic Medications on Sleep Arousal and Its Effect on Gastroesophageal Reflux

Start: Mar 2006Est. completion: Mar 20088 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT00567021AstraZenecaGerman PMS Trial (AWB) to Evaluate Therapy in Reflux Disease and NSAR-Symptoms

German PMS Trial (AWB) to Evaluate Therapy in Reflux Disease and NSAR-Symptoms

Start: Sep 2005Est. completion: Dec 200567,130 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT01167543TakedaRelationship and Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux and Dental/Periodontal Disease

Relationship and Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux and Dental/Periodontal Disease

Start: Sep 2005Est. completion: Nov 200879 patients
N/ACompleted

Which Supraesophageal Reflux Symptoms Reliably Respond to Proton-Pump-Inhibitor (PPI) Therapy

Start: Apr 2005Est. completion: Aug 2006500 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT00181805AstraZenecaNatural History of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) in Children and Adolescents

Natural History of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) in Children and Adolescents

Start: Sep 2004Est. completion: Dec 201425 patients
N/ACompleted
NCT01048840TakedaNatural History of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) in Children < 12 Years of Age

Natural History of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) in Children < 12 Years of Age

Start: Sep 2004Est. completion: Dec 2014100 patients
N/ACompleted

Related Jobs in Gastroenterology

Phase Legend

PreclinicalLab & animal studies
Phase 1Safety & dosing
Phase 2Efficacy testing
Phase 3Large-scale trials
On MarketApproved & available

Key Insights

11 late-stage (Phase 3) programs, potential near-term approvals
2 actively recruiting trials targeting 79,867 patients
19 companies competing in this space

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from FDA, DailyMed, and other government databases. Adverse event data from FAERS does not establish causation. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions.