<qa>  What is the current treatment for GERD?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. 