What is HEAPE studying for Helicobacter pylori infection?

HEAPE is being studied as a new treatment to reduce or eliminate H. pylori bacteria using argon plasma during endoscopy. Researchers want to see if this approach can lower bacterial levels safely and improve treatment outcomes. The study is led by Christopher C. Thompson, MD, MSc, and aims to address challenges with current antibiotic resistance.

Who may be eligible for this Helicobacter pylori infection clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 years or older with a confirmed untreated H. pylori infection may be eligible. Participants must be able to provide informed consent and attend all follow-up visits. People currently on antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors for H. pylori, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with serious heart or lung conditions may not qualify. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this Helicobacter pylori infection clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the plasma treatment, antibiotic therapy, and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any additional costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID06529159

H. Pylori Eradication With Argon Plasma During Endoscopy HEAPE

Led by Christopher C. Thompson, MD, MSc · Updated on 2026-03-02

Participants Needed

Research Sites

52 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Helicobacter pylori H. pylori infection affects about half the worlds population and is a major cause of ulcers and gastric cancer. Current antibiotic treatments are effective in about 80 of cases, but increasing antibiotic resistance makes new treatments necessary. This study evaluates a new argon plasma-based therapy called HEAPE to reduce or eradicate H. pylori bacteria during endoscopic procedures, aiming to offer an alternative approach to antibiotic therapy. The study compares two ways of delivering plasma activated liquid PAL treatment HEAPE direct, where the stomach is filled with sodium chloride solution that is treated with argon plasma inside the stomach, and Pre-HEAPE, where the sodium chloride solution is treated outside the body and then administered into the stomach via endoscope. Both methods use the antibacterial properties of PAL without causing thermal damage to the stomach lining. After the procedure, patients receive standard antibiotic treatment and follow-up testing. Participants will undergo a urea breath test before and two hours after the PAL treatment to measure immediate changes in H. pylori levels and again four weeks later to assess eradication. Researchers will monitor symptoms, quality of life, and any side effects during and after the procedure. The study is randomized and designed to assess safety, tolerability, and proof of concept for PAL as a non-thermal antibacterial treatment for H. pylori infection.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

H. Pylori Eradication With Argon Plasma During Endoscopy

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Subjects must be 18 years or older
Confirmed untreated H. pylori infection
Able to understand and sign informed consent
Available to return for all routine follow-up study visits
Patients should have upper endoscopy scheduled according to latest guidelines as part of their diagnostic work-up for H. pylori positive test

You will not qualify if you...

Patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy with antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors within two weeks before the HEAPE procedure
Pregnancy or puerperium
Severe cardiopulmonary disease or history of coronary artery disease including recent myocardial infarction within 6 months
Lactation
Inability to provide informed consent
Any condition that may hinder compliance or study completion as judged by investigator
Presence of hernias or aspiration risk

Research Team

Michele Ryan, MS

Samantha Geltz

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