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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroenterology
10
Pipeline Programs
10
Companies
28
Clinical Trials
0
Approved Products

Pipeline by Development Stage

Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 1/2
Phase 2
Phase 2/3
Phase 3
On Market
0
0
0
1
0
6
3
Early DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentMarket

Drug Modality Breakdown

Small Molecule
9100%
+ 13 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

8 companies ranked by most advanced pipeline stage

AstraZeneca
AstraZenecaCAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom
6 programs
1
2
3
EsomeprazolePhase 4Small Molecule1 trial
EsomeprazolePhase 4Small Molecule1 trial
EsomeprazolePhase 4Small Molecule1 trial
EsomeprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
Open Label Run In EsomeprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
+1 more programs
Active Trials
NCT00394472Completed244Est. Jun 2007
NCT00241501Completed140Est. Apr 2005
NCT00468559Completed98Est. Jun 2008
+3 more trials
Sandoz
SandozAustria - Kundl
2 programs
2
TegaserodPhase 31 trial
TegaserodPhase 31 trial
Active Trials
NCT00171418Completed54Est. Feb 2005
NCT00171483Completed30Est. Apr 2005
Dexa Medica
Dexa MedicaIndonesia - Tangerang
1 program
1
OmeprazolePhase 3Small Molecule
Medica Corp
Medica CorpMA - Bedford
1 program
1
OmeprazolePhase 3Small Molecule1 trial
Active Trials
NCT03367195Terminated32Est. Sep 2020
Eisai
EisaiChina - Liaoning
7 programs
Rabeprazole sodium 5 mgPHASE_11 trial
Rabeprazole ERPHASE_31 trial
Rabeprazole ERPHASE_31 trial
Rabeprazole sodiumPHASE_31 trial
Rabeprazole sodiumPHASE_31 trial
+2 more programs
Active Trials
NCT00747526Completed51Est. Feb 2012
NCT00839306Completed240Est. Jan 2010
NCT00838526Completed240Est. Dec 2009
+4 more trials
Takeda
TakedaTOKYO, Japan
2 programs
Correlation of Oropharyngeal Pepsin and Gastroesophageal (GE) RefluxN/A1 trial
PantoprazolePHASE_3Small Molecule5 trials
Active Trials
NCT01091805Completed143Est. Oct 2013
NCT01132638Completed713Est. Jun 2012
NCT00449813Terminated40Est. Nov 2008
+3 more trials
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals
2 programs
IW-3718PHASE_31 trial
IW-3718PHASE_31 trial
Active Trials
NCT03561090Terminated495Est. Nov 2020
NCT03561883Completed609Est. Nov 2020
Labcorp
LabcorpBURLINGTON, NC
1 program
MARIAL® + PPIN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT04130659Unknown110Est. Jan 2025

Trial Timeline

Clinical trial activity over time

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
TakedaPantoprazole
TakedaPantoprazole
TakedaPantoprazole
AstraZenecaEsomeprazole
AstraZenecaEsomeprazole
AstraZenecaEsomeprazole
Ironwood PharmaceuticalsIW-3718
Medica CorpOmeprazole
Ironwood PharmaceuticalsIW-3718
TakedaPantoprazole
Eisairabeprazole
EisaiRabeprazole ER
EisaiRabeprazole ER
EisaiRabeprazole sodium
EisaiRabeprazole sodium

Showing 15 of 28 trials with date data

Clinical Trials (28)

Total enrollment: 12,108 patients across 28 trials

NCT00449813TakedaPantoprazole

The CONQUEST-Study. Evaluation of Clinical Endpoints for Treatment-induced Changes in GERD-related Symptoms (BY1023/NL511)

Start: Mar 2007Est. completion: Nov 200840 patients
Phase 4Terminated
NCT00325676TakedaPantoprazole

Comparison of the Classical Healing Concept With the Complete Remission Concept After Treatment With Pantoprazole in Adult Patients With Erosive GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) (BY1023/M3-342)

Start: Jun 2006639 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00261339TakedaPantoprazole

Determination of a Questionnaire After Treatment With Pantoprazole at Full Dose and Half Dose in Adult Patients With Symptoms of Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) (BY1023/UK-506)

Start: Aug 2005300 patients
Phase 4Completed

Esomeprazole for Treatment of GERD in Pediatric Patients

Start: Oct 2004Est. completion: Oct 2005100 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study to Assess Management Strategies for the Use of Esomeprazole (Nexium) in Helicobacter Pylori Infected Patients

Start: Nov 2003Est. completion: Oct 2007
Phase 4Completed

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Efficacy Study Comparing 4 Weeks of Treatment With Esomeprazole 20 mg qd and 40 mg qd to Placebo qd in Patients With Heartburn and Sleep Disturbances Associated With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Apr 2003Est. completion: Aug 2003600 patients
Phase 4Completed

Trial of IW-3718 for 8 Weeks in Patients With Persistent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Receiving Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Start: Sep 2018Est. completion: Nov 2020609 patients
Phase 3Completed

Efficacy and Safety of DLBS2411 in the Management of GERD

Start: Aug 2018Est. completion: Sep 202032 patients
Phase 3Terminated

A Trial of IW-3718 for 8 Weeks in Patients With Persistent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Receiving Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Start: Jun 2018Est. completion: Nov 2020495 patients
Phase 3Terminated
NCT01132638TakedaPantoprazole

Pantoprazole Magnesium 40 mg Versus Esomeprazole 40 mg in Patients With Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Start: Aug 2011Est. completion: Jun 2012713 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00787891Eisairabeprazole

A Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Rabeprazole for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Pediatric Patients

Start: Jan 2009Est. completion: Jan 2011127 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00838526EisaiRabeprazole ER

Rabeprazole Extended-Release 50 mg vs. Ranitidine 150 mg for Maintenance of Healed Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Aug 2008Est. completion: Dec 2009240 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00839306EisaiRabeprazole ER

Rabeprazole Extended Release 50 mg Versus Ranitidine 150 mg for Maintenance of Healed Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Aug 2008Est. completion: Jan 2010240 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00658775EisaiRabeprazole sodium

Rabeprazole Extended-Release, 50 mg, Versus Esomeprazole, 40 mg, for Healing and Symptomatic Relief of Moderate to Severe Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Feb 2008Est. completion: Jan 20101,069 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00658528EisaiRabeprazole sodium

Rabeprazole Extended-Release 50 mg Versus Esomeprazole 40 mg for Healing and Symptomatic Relief of Moderate to Severe Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Feb 2008Est. completion: Jan 20101,061 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00658632EisaiRabeprazole sodium

Rabeprazole Extended-Release 50 mg Versus Esomeprazole 40 mg for Healing and Symptomatic Relief of Mild to Moderate Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Start: Feb 2008Est. completion: Sep 20091,397 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00468559AstraZenecaOpen Label Run In Esomeprazole

Phase 3/Safety & Efficacy of Esomeprazole in Infants

Start: Apr 2007Est. completion: Jun 200898 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00312806TakedaPantoprazole

Effect of Pantoprazole on the Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease in Adult Patients (BY1023/M3-341)

Start: May 2006Est. completion: Jul 20072,000 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00163306TakedaPantoprazole

Efficacy of Pantoprazole in Patients Older Than 18 Years Who Have Symptoms of Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) (BY1023/M3-339)

Start: May 20051,200 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00161096TakedaPantoprazole

On-Demand Use of Pantoprazole: Determinants for Chronic Use of Acid Suppressive Medication

Start: Mar 2004Est. completion: Sep 2005276 patients
Phase 3Unknown

Safety of Daily Dose Esomeprazole for GERD for Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

Start: Feb 2004Est. completion: Apr 2005140 patients
Phase 3Completed

Assessment of the Role of Tegaserod Therapy in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Symptoms in Patients With Incomplete Response to Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).

Start: Jan 2004Est. completion: Apr 200530 patients
Phase 3Completed

Assessment of the Effects of Tegaserod in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Patients With Incomplete Response to Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).

Start: Jun 2003Est. completion: Feb 200554 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT00261300TakedaPantoprazole

Long-term Pantoprazole Trial in Patients With Symptoms of Chronic Acid Peptic Complaints (BY1023/VMG-708)

Start: Oct 2000Est. completion: Jul 2008100 patients
Phase 3Completed

Symptom Improvements in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Patients

Start: Nov 2006Est. completion: Jun 2007244 patients
Phase 2Completed
NCT00747526EisaiRabeprazole sodium 5 mg

A Study of Single and Multiple Doses of Rabeprazole in Pediatric Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 1 to 11 Months Old, Inclusive

Start: Dec 2007Est. completion: Feb 201251 patients
Phase 1Completed
NCT04130659LabcorpMARIAL® + PPI

Study to Evaluate the Performance and Safety of the MARIAL® in Association With PPI Versus PPI Alone

Start: Aug 2019Est. completion: Jan 2025110 patients
N/AUnknown
NCT01091805TakedaCorrelation of Oropharyngeal Pepsin and Gastroesophageal (GE) Reflux

Correlation of Oropharyngeal Pepsin and Gastroesophageal (GE) Reflux

Start: Dec 2008Est. completion: Oct 2013143 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

6 late-stage (Phase 3) programs, potential near-term approvals
10 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.