Ongoing Clinical Trials for Oesophageal Food Impaction
This article provides information about ongoing clinical trials for oesophageal food impaction, a condition where food becomes stuck in the oesophagus. Currently, there is 1 clinical trial investigating a new approach to treating this condition using a medication that may help relax the muscles of the oesophagus and allow the food to pass more easily.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Glyceryl Trinitrate for Treating Esophageal Food Impaction in Adults
This clinical trial is exploring whether nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate, can help resolve oesophageal food impaction without requiring an endoscopic procedure. The medication is commonly used for heart conditions because it relaxes blood vessels. In this study, researchers want to see if the same relaxing effect can help ease food stuck in the oesophagus by relaxing the muscles in that area.
Main inclusion criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have experienced symptoms of oesophageal food impaction for at least 1 hour, meaning food has been stuck in the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach
- You must be able to provide informed consent, which means you agree to participate after understanding all the important details about the study
Main exclusion criteria:
- You cannot participate if you are older than 65 years
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women are excluded from the study
- You cannot join if you have a history of allergic reactions to nitroglycerin or similar medications
- People with severe heart problems, low blood pressure, or those who have had a stroke in the past 6 months are not eligible
- You cannot participate if you have severe liver or kidney disease
- If you are currently taking medications that interact with nitroglycerin, you will not be able to join
- If you have participated in another clinical trial in the last 30 days, you are excluded
Focus and goal: The main goal of this trial is to evaluate whether nitroglycerin can effectively resolve oesophageal food impaction without the need for an endoscopic procedure to remove the blockage. The trial is designed as a double-blind study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know whether you are receiving the actual medication or a placebo tablet that looks the same but contains no active ingredient. This design helps ensure unbiased results. The study will follow participants over time to observe whether the food impaction resolves and to monitor any side effects.
Investigational drug: The trial is testing nitroglycerin in the form of sublingual tablets, which are small tablets placed under the tongue to dissolve. At the molecular level, nitroglycerin works by releasing nitric oxide, which helps relax smooth muscles. While it is commonly used as a vasodilator to widen blood vessels and treat chest pain, researchers are investigating whether this muscle-relaxing effect can help the oesophagus allow stuck food to pass more easily. The trial is currently in phase 2, which means the medication is being tested to determine its effectiveness for this specific condition.
The study began recruiting participants in October 2023 and is expected to continue until October 2025. Throughout your participation, your condition will be monitored, and you will be asked to report any changes or side effects. You can choose to withdraw from the trial at any time if you wish to do so.
Summary
Currently, there is only one ongoing clinical trial for oesophageal food impaction, and it is being conducted in Denmark. This trial represents an innovative approach to treating this condition by investigating whether a medication traditionally used for heart conditions might offer a non-invasive solution. The focus on nitroglycerin highlights the potential for repurposing existing medications to address urgent medical situations where food becomes lodged in the oesophagus. If successful, this approach could provide a simpler alternative to endoscopic procedures, which are currently the standard treatment for removing food blockages.