From the Journals

Time to ditch clarithromycin for H. pylori?


 

Study’s importance

Because the study drew upon the largest dataset to date on U.S. resistance rates, it should be used to more precisely guide first-line therapy decisions, said Richard Peek, Jr., MD, professor of medicine and director of gastroenterology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.

“To date, there has been a dearth of information in the United States regarding H. pylori resistance rates, which has often led to the use of ineffective empiric therapies and inappropriate exposure to antibiotics,” Dr. Peek, who wasn’t involved in the study, told this news organization.

“These data are particularly exciting when viewed within the context of new genomic sequencing tests that can determine H. pylori resistance patterns using DNA isolated from the stomach or the stool,” he said.

Dr. Peek agreed that the recent approval of vonoprazan-based therapies “adds another regimen to the therapeutic armamentarium available for eradicating H. pylori, and its value seems to be particularly beneficial for eradication failures.”

The research was funded by Phathom Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Chey is a board member of the American College of Gastroenterology, GI on Demand, the International Foundation of Functional GI Disorders, and the Rome Foundation. He has received compensation as a consultant from AbbVie, Alfasigma, Allakos, Alnylam, Bayer, BioAmerica, Cosmo, Intrinsic Medicine, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, QOL Medical, Nestle, Phathom Pharmaceuticals, RedHill Biopharma, Salix/Valeant, Takeda, Urovant, and Vibrant; grant/research support from BioAmerica, Commonwealth Diagnostics International, QOL Medical, Salix, and Vibrant; owns stock/stock options in GI on Demand and Modify Health; and owns patents relating to methods and kits for identifying food sensitivities and intolerances, digital manometry, and a rectal expulsion device. Dr. Peek and Dr. Kim report no relevant financial relationships.

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

Pages

Next Article: