Effects of Tegoprazan, Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker, on the Gastric Emptying and Postprandial Symptoms in Healthy Humans

Background and Aims: Proton pump inhibitors are potent gastric acid inhibitors. However, they may worsen symptoms such as postprandial fullness and early satiation by reducing gastric emptying (GE). This study aims to evaluate the effects of tegoprazan, a new potassium-competitive acid blocker, on GE and dyspeptic symptoms. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was adopted for this study. Participants underwent GE tests and responded to a questionnaire regarding gastrointestinal symptoms before and after administration of tegoprazan 50 mg. GE was assessed using scintigraphy over 4 h with a standardized solid meal. Results: Thirty participants were recruited (19 men, mean age 28.2 ± 7.3 years). After medication, no significant differences were observed in gastric half emptying time (T_1/2) and gastric retention at 4 h (GE 4 h) between the tegoprazan and the control group (114.2 ± 48.9 min vs. 93.7 ± 34.7 min, P = 0.20; 10.1 ± 12.0% vs. 4.3 ± 5.4%, P = 0.11, respectively). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences detected in the changes within each group between two groups (T_1/2, 9.9 ± 52.7 min vs. − 4.7 ± 30.5 min, P = 0.36; GE 4 h, 5.2 ± 13.9% vs. − 1.3 ± 6.5%, P = 0.12). The changes in dyspeptic symptom scores after tegoprazan administration did not significantly differ from those in the control group with no correlation between symptoms and GE parameters. Conclusions: In healthy adults, the administration of tegoprazan did not show a significant impact on GE and dyspeptic symptoms, especially postprandial fullness or early satiation.