Digestive Health & Gastroenterology Clinical Trials Update: Week 40, 2026

Published October 2, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert. Blog posts are AI-drafted from ClinicalTrials.gov source data and reviewed by the editorial team. See our editorial policy for details.

Fibrosis Lessens After Metabolic Surgery

This Phase 4 trial led by The Cleveland Clinic compares metabolic surgery with medical therapy in adults who have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis, conditions linked to fatty liver disease. The study tracks changes in liver fibrosis over two years using liver biopsies before and after treatment. For patients, this research could clarify whether surgery or medication offers better protection against liver damage and disease progression in this common liver condition.

ELEVATE-LIVER: A Study to Test Whether Survodutide Helps Improve Heart Structure and Function in People With Overweight or Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease

Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, this Phase 3 trial is testing an injectable medicine called survodutide in adults with obesity and metabolic fatty liver disease. The focus is on whether survodutide can improve heart health, which is often at risk in people with fatty liver disease. This study involves 600 participants and runs for about 18 months, aiming to find a new treatment that supports both liver and heart health in this population.

Chemoprevention of Gastric Carcinogenesis

Conducted by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, this Phase 2 trial explored the use of an oral drug called eflornithine to prevent stomach cancer in adults aged 30 to 60 with premalignant gastric lesions. The trial was completed in Latin America and results are available. If the drug proves effective, it could offer a simple pill to lower stomach cancer risk for people with certain early stomach changes.

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

This Phase 3 study, sponsored by Wyeth (now part of Pfizer), tested the safety and effectiveness of oral pantoprazole in young children aged 1 to 5 with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The goal was to improve symptoms and clinical outcomes for children suffering from reflux. Results are available from multiple sites across the US and Canada, potentially guiding more effective treatments for young patients with GERD.

Trial Comparing Elan Specialized Bariatric Supplements With Standard Multivitamins in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Procedures

This Phase 4 trial in Egypt is comparing special bariatric supplements to standard multivitamins in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Since nutrient deficiencies can cause serious problems after weight-loss surgery, this study aims to find better ways to support recovery and long-term health. More than 600 patients participated, and the findings will help improve nutritional care after bariatric procedures.

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