Vonoprazan: A Revolutionary Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker in Gastroenterology

Vonoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) that is emerging as a new alternative among conventional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for treating acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. Review vonoprazan's pharmacological details, its excellent ability to suppress acid secretion, and such clinical aspects as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated conditions. The summaries of comparative studies are worth noting, showing the rapid onset and duration of acid suppression achieved with vonoprazan, as well as the increased efficacy in the treatment of PPI-resistant patients. Vonoprazan is fast gaining interest for its action on preventing ulcers caused by NSAIDs and erosive esophagitis. Vonoprazan has favorable safety but recent studies are also evaluating its long-term effects and adverse event risks. The present review summarizes the current evidence to evaluate vonoprazan's therapeutic potential, casting it as a groundbreaking agent in gastroenterology, probably as first-line treatment for acid-related diseases in the next decade.