 Current treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD confirms an unmet need in patients, based on slow onset of action and an inability to provide 24-hour gastric-acid suppression. Clinical data on AH234844 demonstrates a rapid onset of action, high potency, and prolonged duration of effect. The present study endeavors, in part, to compare lavoltidine to two GERD drugs, NEXIUM and ranitidine. 