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

Inclusion Criteria:

• Voluntary participation in the study with signature on Informed Consent Form (ICF)prior to specific protocol procedures

• Patients of any race

• On outpatient treatment

• History of frequent symptom crises related to GERD within the last 3 months (at leasta frequency of twice a week, for about four to eight weeks)

• Diagnosis of erosive esophagitis (grade A to D, according to Los AngelesClassification)

• In good health condition, except GERD symptoms

• Able to follow the protocol directions and to complete daily the questionnaireReQuest™ throughout the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Gastrointestinal disorder, even when related to chlorhydropeptic disorders: Barret'sesophagus, peptic ulcer, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and pyloric stenosis

• Previous history of surgery to reduce acid secretion, or other upper gastrointestinaltract surgeries (excepting polypectomy and cholecystectomy)

• At initial endoscopy presenting complicated disorders due to erosive esophagitis:obstructive esophageal stenoses, Schatzki ring, esophageal diverticulum, esophagealvarices, achalasia and hiatal hernia

• Pregnant women or during nursing period

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) within the last 10 days prior to start of the study

• Triple therapy based on PPIs to eradicate H. pylori within the last 28 days prior tostart of the study

• H2-blockers, sucralfate and prokinetics within the last 7 days prior to start of thestudy

• Systemic glucocorticoids and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including COX-2inhibitors) for more than 3 consecutive days a week, within the last 28 days prior tostart of study, with exception of regular intake of acetyl salicylic acid in dosagesof up to 163 mg/day.