Skip to content
EvidenceHelixEvidenceLib · Scientific Encyclopedia
⌘ K

Scientific library

EvidenceLib encyclopediaAll articles A–Z2,835Open textbooks209Open-access articles1,406Cancer study catalog458How it is made

My workspace this browser

Saved pages0Notes & annotations0

Recently viewed

Explore by field

Cancer and Oncology182Genetics and Genomics170Neuroscience185Cardiovascular Medicine180Immunology142Pharmacology173Molecular Biology161Infectious Diseases150Rare and Inherited Diseases181Clinical Research173Anatomy and Physiology613Drugs and Chemicals621Psychiatry and Psychology185Public Health and Nutrition178Diagnostics and Medical Technology125Respiratory Medicine113Digestive System and Liver91Metabolism and Endocrine Disease177Bones, Joints, Muscles and Skin213Kidney, Urology and Women's Health173Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat55
Plans & pricingCompare EvidenceHelix workspace plans
Library›Open-access articles›Article

Continue where you left off ()

Explore more with EvidenceHelix Workspace

Compare studies, analyze evidence and create research reports with premium tools.

Explore Researcher plans

EvidenceLib · Open-access article · Digestive System and Liver

Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy vs. proton pump inhibitor based dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis

You Lv, Hong-Hua Zhou, Jia-Geng Sun, Yu Qin, Ben-Gang Zhou

Frontiers in Medicine 2025 · doi:10.3389/fmed.2025.1739284

CC BY 4.0Full textApproximately 15 min read28 references

Table of Contents

AbstractKey pointsIn this articleIntroductionMaterials and methodsResultsDiscussionConclusionReferences

Abstract

Background and objective

In recent years, the use of high-dose dual therapy based on PPI and amoxicillin (PPI-HDDT) has shown satisfactory efficacy in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as a first-line treatment. Vonoprazan (VPZ), a new potassium-competitive acid blocker, exhibits rapid, potent, and enduring acid inhibitory effects in comparison to PPI. However, to date, evidence comparing VPZ-based HDDT (VPZ-HDDT) with PPI-HDDT for eradication of H. pylori remains limited. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of the two regimens for first-line H. pylori eradication.

Methods

This meta-analysis searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (from inception to October 1, 2025) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing VPZ-HDDT vs. PPI-HDDT in treatment-naive H. pylori patients. Utilize a random-effects model for meta-analysis to ascertain the pooled relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Four RCTs (involving 1,807 patients) were included. Based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis data, the results of the meta-analysis consistently demonstrated that the H. pylori eradication rate in the VPZ-HDDT group is higher than that in the PPI-HDDT group (ITT analysis: 88.0 vs. 82.7%, RR = 1.05, 95% CI:1.00–1.10, P = 0.04; I2 = 28%; PP analysis: 92.3 vs. 87.3%, RR = 1.04, 95% CI:1.01–1.08, P = 0.02; I2 = 15%). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of total adverse events (8.6 vs. 10.6%, RR = 0.78, 95% CI:0.59–1.04, P = 0.09) and compliance (97.1 vs. 95.6%, RR = 1.02, 95% CI:0.99–1.05, P = 0.22) between the VPZ-HDDT group and the PPI-HDDT group.

Conclusions

VPZ-HDDT exhibits superior H. pylori eradication rate over the PPI-HDDT regimen, with comparable safety and compliance.

SystematicReviewRegistration

https://osf.io/fxju2.

Key points

  • Four RCTs (involving 1,807 patients) were included.
  • Based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis data, the results of the meta-analysis consistently demonstrated that the H.
  • 22) between the VPZ-HDDT group and the PPI-HDDT group.

Sentences taken unchanged from the authors’ abstract, as a reading aid. Not a new analysis and not medical advice.

In this article

  1. Introduction: These conditions pose a significant threat to human digestive health and quality of life. Eradication regimens commonly used consist of triple therapy (proton pump inhibitor plus two different antibiotics) and bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT, bismuth plus triple therapy) (2, 3).
  2. Discussion: This meta-analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of VPZ-HDDT vs. This aligns with the unique pharmacological advantages of VPZ, emphasizing its potential in addressing unmet needs in the management of H.
  3. Conclusion: In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated that VPZ-HDDT achieved a superior first-line H. Given the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and the limitations of conventional regimens, VPZ-HDDT represents a promising alternative for first-line H.

Opening sentences of each section, unchanged.

Introduction

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a highly prevalent chronic pathogenic bacterium worldwide, is closely associated with the development and progression of various digestive system diseases, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer (1, 2). These conditions pose a significant threat to human digestive health and quality of life. Currently, the eradication of H. pylori has become a key intervention for the prevention and treatment of the aforementioned diseases.

Eradication regimens commonly used consist of triple therapy (proton pump inhibitor plus two different antibiotics) and bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT, bismuth plus triple therapy) (2, 3). However, the escalating antibiotic resistance, notably to clarithromycin, has rendered successful eradication increasingly challenging, markedly diminishing the efficacy of the conventional triple therapy (4). Despite BQT yielding relatively satisfactory eradication rates, challenges such as regimen complexity, elevated occurrence of adverse reactions, and increased costs persist (5, 6), underscoring the need for an effective, safe, and economically viable novel eradication regimen.

In recent years, high-dose dual therapy (HDDT) with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and amoxicillin (3,000 mg/day) has received widespread attention from gastroenterologists. Prior research has demonstrated that PPI-based HDDT (PPI-HDDT) can achieve similar eradication rates and compliance as BQT, but with a lower incidence of adverse reactions (5.9 vs. 34.1%) (7). In the HDDT regimen, increasing the total dose and dosing frequency of PPI and amoxicillin (3 or 4 times daily) is more advantageous for maintaining stable PPI blood concentrations and creating a stable high pH environment in the stomach. This aids in promoting the proliferation of H. pylori and enhancing its sensitivity to amoxicillin (5–7).

Adequate acid suppression is crucial for the successful eradication of H. pylori (8). Given the significance of acid suppression, novel acid-suppressing agents have been investigated to enhance eradication efficacy. Vonoprazan (VPZ), a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), has been widely used in acid-related diseases (9–11). Recent studies have shown that VPZ-amoxicillin dual therapy outperforms PPI-based triple therapy or BQT in eradicating H. pylori, underscoring the benefits of robust acid suppression in enhancing treatment efficacy (12, 13). However, to date, evidence comparing VPZ-based HDDT (VPZ-HDDT) with PPI-HDDT for first-line eradication of H. pylori remains limited. At present, there is no meta-analysis available that specifically compares VPZ-HDDT and PPI-HDDT for first-line H. pylori eradication.

Therefore, this study aims to address this research gap by systematically searching for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the two regimens for first-line H. pylori eradication to determine whether VPZ-HDDT offers potential advantages as a first-line treatment option for eradicating H. pylori.

Materials and methods

Research registration and reporting standards

This study has been pre-registered on the Open Science Framework platform (https://osf.io/fxju2) and followed the PRISMA standards for reporting (14).

Data sources and search strategies

Searches were performed on the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science databases, spanning from their establishment to October 1, 2025. The main search formula was as follows: (“Helicobacter” OR “Helicobacter pylori” OR “Campylobacter pylori” OR “H. pylori”) AND (“vonoprazan” OR “TAK-438” OR “TAK438” OR “takecab” OR “potassium-competitive acid blockers” OR “potassium-competitive acid blocker”) AND (“amoxicillin” OR “amoxycillin”) AND (“dual therapy” OR “high-dose dual therapy”). We employed a combination of MeSH terms and free text in our search, without any language restrictions. We adjust the search strategies based on the characteristics of different databases.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: (1) The study design must be parallel-group RCTs that has been published; (2) Participants should be patients with initial H. pylori infection undergoing treatment for the first time; (3) The study should involve a minimum of two groups, with one group receiving VPZ-HDDT and another receiving PPI-HDDT, amoxicillin should be administered at a daily dosage of 3,000 mg, either three times daily or four times daily; (4) The outcome measures should include the H. pylori eradication rate, adverse events, and compliance, with the H. pylori eradication rate being the primary outcome measure and the others being secondary outcome measures.

Exclusion criteria included: (1) duplicate publications; (2) non-randomized controlled studies; (3) trial protocols, trial registration records, conference abstracts, reviews, and meta-analyses.

Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias

Utilize Endnote X21 to automatically or manually remove duplicate studies and conduct literature screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two researchers independently screen literature, with any discrepancies resolved through consultation with a third researcher. Two researchers independently extracted data using a pre-designed data extraction form. The extracted key information included the first author's surname, publication year, study design, study country or region, participant age, sample size, specific details of the eradication regimen, diagnostic method for confirming H. pylori infection pre- and post-eradication, specific details of relevant outcome data (eradication rate, adverse events, and compliance). In cases of disagreement, an independent assessor was responsible for evaluating inconsistencies, followed by participation in deliberations until consensus was reached. Two researchers employed the latest revised version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2) for evaluating risk of bias (15). Any discrepancies were resolved through discussion, and a third researcher may be consulted if necessary.

Statistical analysis

Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager software 5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). A random-effects model was utilized to account for potential heterogeneity among studies. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were employed to assess the H. pylori eradication rate. The effect measure was expressed as risk ratio (RR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity among trial results was assessed using Cochran's Q test (significance level set at P < 0.10) and I2 statistic (0%−25%: insignificant heterogeneity, 26%−50%: low heterogeneity, 51%−75%: moderate heterogeneity, ≥76%: high heterogeneity) (16). Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore any factors potentially influencing the overall results. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot and Egger's test if the meta-analysis included at least 10 studies (17, 18). Statistical significance was defined as a P-value <0.05.

Results

Search results and study selection process

Initially, a total of 565 records were retrieved from four English electronic databases: PubMed (n = 100), Embase (n = 178), the Cochrane Library (n = 143), and Web of Science (n = 144). Following the elimination of 259 duplicate records, a further 279 records were excluded through title and abstract screening, resulting in 34 studies necessitating full-text review. Subsequently, during the full-text evaluation phase, three studies were non-randomized controlled studies, nineteen were meta-analyses, and one study's intervention did not meet the inclusion criteria. These studies (n = 23) were all subsequently excluded. Ultimately, 4 RCTs (19–22) meeting the criteria were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The flowchart depicted in Figure 1 outlines the study selection process.

Figure 1 PRISMA flow diagram of literature retrieval and screening. (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Study characteristics

The publication language of the four included RCTs was English, with publication dates ranging from 2023 to 2025. All studies were conducted in China, with three being multicenter RCTs (19, 21, 22) and one being a single-center RCT (20). Among these studies, one was a three-arm trial (20), while the remaining three were two-arm trials (19, 21, 22). The total sample size ranged from 121 to 690. Regarding the VPZ-HDDT regimen, two RCTs (20, 22) had a duration of 14 days, while three RCTs (19–21) had a duration of 10 days. The amoxicillin dosage in the 14-day VPZ-HDDT regimen was 750 mg per dose four times daily, however, in the 10-day VPZ-HDDT regimen, it was 1,000 mg per dose three times daily. For the PPI-HDDT dual regimen, the duration was 14 days in all trials, with one (19) using rabeprazole as the PPI and three using esomeprazole (20–22). The initial diagnostic methods for H. pylori included the urea breath test (UBT), rapid urease test (RUT), histology, or bacterial culture, while post-treatment reexamination typically involved UBT. Table 1 summarizes the basic characteristics of the four RCTs.

Table 1 Characteristics of included studies.
Author (year) Study design No. of patients (VPZ-HDDT/PPI-HDDT) Mean age (VPZ-HDDT/PPI-HDDT) VPZ-HDDT dual regimen PPI-HDDT dual regimen Diagnositic methods of H. pylori
Initial Reexamination
Han (2023) (19)Multicenter RCT690 (345/345)42.5/41.8Vonoprazan 20 mg BID, amoxicillin 1,000 mg TID, 10 daysRabeprazole 10 mg TID, amoxicillin 1,000 mg TID, 14 days13C/14C-UBT/histology13C/14C-UBT
Yan (2024) (20)Single-center RCT426 (142/142/142)48.2/47.9/47.2Group-I: vonoprazan 20 mg BID, amoxicillin 750 mg QID, 14 days group-II: vonoprazan 20 mg BID, amoxicillin 1,000 mg TID, 10 daysEsomeprazole 20 mg QID, amoxicillin 1,000 mg TID, 14 days13C/14C-UBT13C-UBT
Zhou (2024) (21)Multicenter RCT570 (287/283)46.9/47.7Vonoprazan 20 mg BID, amoxicillin 1,000 mg TID, 10 daysEsomeprazole 20 mg QID, amoxicillin 750 mg QID, 14 days13C/14C-UBT13C/14C-UBT
Tai (2025) (22)Multicenter RCT121 (61/60)56.5/53.9Vonoprazan 20 mg BID, amoxicillin 750 mg QID, 14 daysEsomeprazole 40 mg TID, amoxicillin 750 mg QID, 14 daysRUT/histology/culture/13C-UBT13C-UBT

Risk of bias assessment

For primary outcome (H. pylori eradication rate), all four RCTs demonstrated low risk of bias in terms of missing outcome data, measurement of the outcome, and selection of the reported result. Three RCTs (19, 21, 22) had low risk of bias in the randomization process, while one RCT (20) was judged to have some concerns due to unclear randomization procedures. Detailed information on bias risk is provided in Supplementary Figures S1, S2 and Supplementary Table S1.

H. pylori eradication rate

Data regarding the H. pylori eradication rate based on ITT and PP analyses was provided in all four included trials.

Based on the ITT analysis data, the meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant higher eradication rate of VPZ-HDDT compared to PPI-HDDT (88.0 vs. 82.7%, RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.10, P = 0.04; Figure 2). Low heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 28%, P = 0.24). The similar conclusion was also obtained in the PP analysis (92.3 vs. 87.3%, RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.08, P = 0.02), with insignificant heterogeneity (I2 = 15%, P = 0.32; Figure 3).

Figure 2 Forest plot of the H. pylori eradication rate (ITT analysis). (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Figure 3 Forest plot of the H. pylori eradication rate (PP analysis). (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Based on the data from the ITT analysis, we further conducted a subgroup analysis according to the treatment duration of the VPZ-HDDT regimen and different types of PPIs to explore potential factors affecting the overall results. The results of the subgroup analysis based on the treatment duration of the VPZ-HDDT regimen (10 and 14 days) showed that in the 10-day subgroup (n = 3 RCTs, 87.7 vs. 82.7%, RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.99–1.12, P = 0.10) and the 14-day subgroup (n = 2 RCTs, 86.9 vs. 81.7%, RR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.95–1.19, P = 0.27), the eradication rate of the VPZ-HDDT group was higher than that of the PPI-HDDT group; however, the differences were not statistically significant (Figure 4). Similarly, in subgroup analyses based on different types of PPIs, no significant statistical differences in terms of eradication rate were found between the two groups, whether using rabeprazole-HDDT (n = 1 RCT, 89.3 vs. 84.9%, RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.99–1.11, P = 0.09) or esomeprazole-HDDT (n = 3 RCTs, 87.3 vs. 81.7%, RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.97–1.14, P = 0.19; Figure 5).

Figure 4 Forest plot for subgroup analysis based on the duration of VPZ-HDDT on H. pylori eradication rate. (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Figure 5 Forest plot for subgroup analysis based on different types of PPIs on H. pylori eradication rate. (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Adverse events

Total adverse events

Four RCTs assessed the incidence rate of total adverse events. In the meta-analysis, it was found that the total adverse event rate of VPZ-HDDT was lower than that of PPI-HDDT, but the difference was not statistically significant (8.6 vs. 10.6%, RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.59–1.04, P = 0.09). There was no heterogeneity observed (I2 = 0, P = 0.72; Figure 6).

Figure 6 Forest plot of the incidence of total adverse events. (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Specific adverse events

Regarding the incidence of specific gastrointestinal adverse events, all trials reported the occurrence of diarrhea, with three trials (19–21) also reporting rates of nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating, while three trials (19, 21, 22) reported rates of constipation. The results of the meta-analyses indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence rates of diarrhea (RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.48–1.56, P = 0.63), nausea/vomiting (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.44–2.61, P = 0.89), abdominal pain (RR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.32–2.10, P = 0.67), abdominal distention (RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.34–1.32, P = 0.24), and constipation (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.17–5.85, P = 1.00) between the VPZ-HDDT group and the PPI-HDDT group (Figure 7). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in specific adverse reactions such as poor appetite, skin rash, dizziness, and discontinued drugs due to adverse events (Figure 8). Only two RCTs (19, 21) reported severe adverse events, with four cases each in the VPZ-HDDT and PPI-HDDT groups, primarily consisting of rash, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in severe adverse events between the VPZ-HDDT and PPI-HDDT groups.

Figure 7 Forest plot of the specific gastrointestinal adverse events. (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Figure 8 Forest plot of the other specific adverse events. (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Compliance

All four RCTs reported compliance. The results of this meta-analysis indicated no significant difference in compliance between the VPZ-HDDT and PPI-HDDT groups (97.1 vs. 95.6%, RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.99–1.5, P = 0.22). Moderate heterogeneity was observed among the studies (I2 = 67%, P = 0.03; Figure 9).

Figure 9 Forest plot of compliance. (Figure not reproduced here; see the original article.)

Discussion

This meta-analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of VPZ-HDDT vs. PPI- HDDT for first-line H. pylori eradication, using data from 4 RCTs involving 1,807 patients. The core finding of this study revealed a significantly higher eradication rate of VPZ-HDDT compared to PPI-HDDT in both ITT (88.0 vs. 82.7%, P = 0.04) and PP analyses (92.3 vs. 87.3%, P = 0.02). This aligns with the unique pharmacological advantages of VPZ, emphasizing its potential in addressing unmet needs in the management of H. pylori.

VPZ, the first-in-class P-CAB, was first approved in Japan in 2014 as part of a combination regimen for treating H. pylori infection (23). It exerts its acid-inhibitory effect by directly blocking the active site of the H+/K+-ATPase in gastric parietal cells (23, 24). Unlike PPIs, VPZ does not require activation in an acidic environment and is not significantly influenced by CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism, leading to faster, more sustained, and effective acid suppression across different patient populations (9, 10, 25). This is crucial for optimizing the efficacy of amoxicillin, as the antibiotic's bactericidal activity against H. pylori is pH-dependent (optimal pH >6) (5–7). In HDDT regimens, maintaining stable high pH is further enhanced by frequent dosing of acid suppressants and amoxicillin (3 or 4 times daily); VPZ's superiority in acid control likely explains why VPZ-HDDT outperforms PPI-HDDT, even though both regimens use the same 3,000 mg/day dose of amoxicillin.

Notably, subgroup analyses by VPZ-HDDT duration (10 vs. 14 days) revealed numerically higher eradication rates in VPZ-HDDT but no statistical significance (P = 0.10 and P = 0.27, respectively). This lack of significance may stem from small sample sizes in subgroups or inherent variability in study populations. However, the consistency in trend across durations suggested that the efficacy of VPZ-HDDT was not strictly dependent on extended treatment - an important consideration for patient compliance. Indeed, compliance was comparable between the groups (97.1 vs. 95.6%, P = 0.22), reflecting that both the 10- and 14-day VPZ-HDDTs were well-tolerated in terms of regimen complexity. Recently, two multicenter RCTs (26, 27) have also shown similar eradication rates between the 10- and 14-day VPZ-HDDT regimens, indicating that both durations can achieve favorable eradication outcomes. In the included studies, different types of PPIs (rabeprazole or esomeprazole) were used in the control group for the PPI-HDDT regimen. Given the potential impact of different PPIs on outcomes, subgroup analyses were conducted based on the type of PPIs used. The results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in eradication rates between VPZ-HDDT and rabeprazole-HDDT or esomeprazole-HDDT. The lack of statistical significance in the findings could be due to the small number of studies and samples within the subgroups.

Adverse events are commonly observed during the process of H. pylori eradication (28). In this meta-analysis, the overall incidence of adverse events in the VPZ-HDDT group (8.6%) was lower than in the PPI-HDDT group (10.6%); however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. This aligns with the favorable safety profile of VPZ, in contrast to BQT, which exhibited a high adverse event rate of 34.1% (7). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in specific gastrointestinal adverse events (such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain) or other events (such as rash and dizziness). The absence of increased adverse events with VPZ-HDDT is critical, as tolerability directly impacts compliance and real-world efficacy, especially in first-line settings where patient trust in treatment is foundational. Safety data further supports the clinical utility of the VPZ-HDDT regimen.

This study has strengths that enhance the reliability of its findings. First, it adheres to PRISMA guidelines and pre-registration, minimizing reporting bias. Second, rigorous study selection (only parallel-group RCTs, excluding non-randomized studies) and independent data extraction/bias assessment (using new RoB 2) reduce methodological heterogeneity. Most included RCTs were multicenter (3/4) and recent (2023–2025), reflecting contemporary clinical practice and increasing the relevance of results to current H. pylori management.

However, despite these strengths, several limitations must also be acknowledged. First, all RCTs were conducted in China, limiting generalizability to other regions with different H. pylori strains, antibiotic resistance patterns, or genetic backgrounds. Future research should address these gaps by conducting large-scale, multicenter RCTs in diverse geographic regions (e.g., Europe, North America) to validate the efficacy of VPZ-HDDT in varied populations. Second, the small number of included studies (n = 4) may limit the power to detect subtle differences in the incidence of adverse events or subgroup efficacy. This may affect the robustness and reliability of the results, necessitating further expansion of the study size and sample size to validate the aforementioned findings in greater depth in the future. Third, our meta-analysis showed low heterogeneity concerning the primary outcome, which may stem from variations in treatment regimens, amoxicillin dosing frequencies, and administration methods. Despite conducting thorough subgroup some analyses, limitations in study numbers and sample sizes make it challenging to detect subtle differences that could potentially impact the results. Finally, all included studies were conducted as open-label trials (non-blinded), which, although had no impact on the H. pylori eradication rate (an objective outcome), could have influenced the reporting of adverse events and medication compliance.

Given the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and the limitations of conventional regimens, our meta-analysis address an urgent clinical gap in H. pylori management: the need for effective, convenient, and well-tolerated first-line treatment options in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance and poor patient compliance. Firstly, compared to PPI-HDDT, VPZ-HDDT offers a more efficient treatment option, particularly for patients with poor response to conventional therapies or at risk of resistance. Additionally, in the PPI-HDDT regimen, PPIs need to be taken three or four times daily before meals, whereas in the VPZ-HDDT regimen, VPZ is administered only twice daily and is not affected by food intake. This regimen makes VPZ-HDDT more convenient than PPI-HDDT, with the advantage of easier administration likely to encourage patients to adhere to the treatment regimen in terms of timing and dosage throughout long-term therapy, thereby ensuring treatment efficacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated that VPZ-HDDT achieved a superior first-line H. pylori eradication rate compared to PPI-HDDT, with comparable compliance and safety. Given the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and the limitations of conventional regimens, VPZ-HDDT represents a promising alternative for first-line H. pylori eradication, particularly in settings where sustained acid control and tolerability are priorities.

Acknowledgements

AcknowledgmentsWe thank Stork (https://www.storkapp.me/writeassistant/) for its linguistic assistance during the preparation of this manuscript.

References

  1. HooiJKY LaiWY NgWK SuenMMY UnderwoodFE TanyingohD . Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gastroenterology. (2017) 153:420–9. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.04.02228456631 doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2017.04.022 PubMed
  2. MalfertheinerP MegraudF RokkasT GisbertJP LiouJM SchulzC . Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus report. Gut. (2022) 71:1724–62. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-32774535944925 doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327745 PubMed
  3. ZhouL LuH SongZ LyuB ChenY WangJ . 2022 Chinese national clinical practice guideline on Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment. Chin Med J. (2022) 135:2899–910. doi: 10.1097/CM9.000000000000254636579940 PMC10106216 doi:10.1097/CM9.0000000000002546 PubMed
  4. KimSY ChungJW. Best Helicobacter pylori eradication strategy in the era of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics. (2020) 9:436. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics908043632717826 PMC7459868 doi:10.3390/antibiotics9080436 PubMed
  5. YangJ ZhangY FanL ZhuYJ WangTY WangXW . Eradication efficacy of modified dual therapy compared with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy as a first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori. Am J Gastroenterol. (2019) 114:437–45. doi: 10.14309/ajg.000000000000013230807294 doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000132 PubMed
  6. ShenC LiC LvM DaiX GaoC LiL . The prospective multiple-centre randomized controlled clinical study of high-dose amoxicillin-proton pump inhibitor dual therapy for H. pylori infection in Sichuan areas. Ann Med. (2022) 54:426–35. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2022.203126935098820 PMC8812792 doi:10.1080/07853890.2022.2031269 PubMed
  7. ZhouBG MeiYZ ZhangM JiangX LiYY DingYB. High-dose dual therapy versus bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. (2023) 16:17562848221147756. doi: 10.1177/1756284822114775636644129 PMC9837272 doi:10.1177/17562848221147756 PubMed
  8. GrahamDY FischbachL. Helicobacter pylori treatment in the era of increasing antibiotic resistance. Gut. (2010) 59:1143–53. doi: 10.1136/gut.2009.19275720525969 doi:10.1136/gut.2009.192757 PubMed
  9. Abdel-AzizY MetzDC HowdenCW. Review article: potassium-competitive acid blockers for the treatment of acid-related disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. (2021) 53:794–809. doi: 10.1111/apt.1629533592125 doi:10.1111/apt.16295 PubMed
  10. MoriH SuzukiH. Role of acid suppression in acid-related diseases: proton pump inhibitor and potassium-competitive acid blocker. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. (2019) 25:6–14. doi: 10.5056/jnm1813930504527 PMC6326200 doi:10.5056/jnm18139 PubMed
  11. MaZ WangS WangF RenQ. Research progress of potassium-competitive acid blockers in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori. Ann Med. (2025) 57:2544886. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.254488640792473 PMC12344716 doi:10.1080/07853890.2025.2544886 PubMed
  12. ZhouBG MeiYZ JiangX ZhengAJ DingYB. Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Saudi J Gastroenterol. (2023) 29:347–57. doi: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_153_2337602635 PMC10754379 doi:10.4103/sjg.sjg_153_23 PubMed
  13. LiX JiangC SuY GaoR YangP QinY . Efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy versus bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: a meta-analysis. Front Microbiol. (2025) 16:1561749. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.156174940177490 PMC11962034 doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1561749 PubMed
  14. PageMJ McKenzieJE BossuytPM BoutronI HoffmannTC MulrowCD . The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. PLoS Med. (2021) 18:e1003583. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.100358333780438 PMC8007028 doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003583 PubMed
  15. SterneJAC SavovićJ PageMJ ElbersRG BlencoweNS BoutronI . RoB 2: a revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ. (2019) 366:l4898. doi: 10.1136/bmj.l489831462531 doi:10.1136/bmj.l4898 PubMed
  16. HigginsJP ThompsonSG DeeksJJ AltmanDG. Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ. (2003) 327:557–60. doi: 10.1136/bmj.327.7414.55712958120 PMC192859 doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7414.557 PubMed
  17. HigginsJPT ThomasJ ChandlerJ CumpstonM LiT PageMJ ., editors. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. 2nd Ed. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons (2019). doi: 10.1002/9781119536604 doi:10.1002/9781119536604
  18. SterneJA EggerM. Funnel plots for detecting bias in meta-analysis: guidelines on choice of axis. J Clin Epidemiol. (2001) 54:1046–55. doi: 10.1016/S0895-4356(01)00377-811576817 doi:10.1016/S0895-4356(01)00377-8 PubMed
  19. HanYY ZhouL HuYL DingXW LongH LiuF . Comparison of vonoprazan-based with rabeprazole-based dual therapy for treatment-naive patients of Helicobacter pylori infection: a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled study. J Gastroenterol. (2023) 58:1167–77. doi: 10.1007/s00535-023-02042-237777987 doi:10.1007/s00535-023-02042-2 PubMed
  20. YanK DaiX LiZ RongW ChenL DiaoX. Clinical study on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori by vonoprazan combined with amoxicillin for 10-day dual therapy. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. (2024) 13:240–7. doi: 10.1002/cpdd.135738197874 doi:10.1002/cpdd.1357 PubMed
  21. ZhouBG GuoMW ZhangLJ LiuZD LiuCH LiXF . Ten-day vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy versus 14-day esomeprazole-amoxicillin dual therapy for first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. (2024) 17:17562848241309870. doi: 10.1177/1756284824130987039741655 PMC11686653 doi:10.1177/17562848241309870 PubMed
  22. TaiWC LuLS YangSC WangHM WuCK YaoCC . Comparative efficacy and safety of vonoprazan versus esomeprazole-based high-dose dual therapies for first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomized controlled trial. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. (2025) 18:17562848251378066. doi: 10.1177/1756284825137806640984972 PMC12450270 doi:10.1177/17562848251378066 PubMed
  23. Garnock-JonesKP. Vonoprazan: first global approval. Drugs. (2015) 75:439–43. doi: 10.1007/s40265-015-0368-z25744862 doi:10.1007/s40265-015-0368-z PubMed
  24. OkuboH AkiyamaJ KobayakawaM KawazoeM MishimaS TakasakiY . Vonoprazan-based triple therapy is effective for Helicobacter pylori eradication irrespective of clarithromycin susceptibility. J Gastroenterol. (2020) 55:1054–61. doi: 10.1007/s00535-020-01723-632930864 doi:10.1007/s00535-020-01723-6 PubMed
  25. KornatowskaK Ha'nczykE PiecuchD KopciałS PawelecN MazurW . A novel approach to H. pylori eradication: a narrative review of vonoprazan-based therapies. Gastroenterol Insights. (2025) 16:35. doi: 10.3390/gastroent16030035 doi:10.3390/gastroent16030035
  26. LinA LinZ LiuY ChenS ShaoY QiuF . Ten-day versus 14-day vonoprazan-amoxicillin high-dose dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in China: a multicenter, open-label, randomized study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. (2024) 39:2645–53. doi: 10.1111/jgh.1676139582213 doi:10.1111/jgh.16761 PubMed
  27. DongY DuanZ LiuM DingY ChenG WangR . Efficacy and cost-effectiveness analysis of 10-day versus 14-day eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection with vonoprazan amoxicillin: a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Front Pharmacol. (2025) 16:1543352. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.154335240196374 PMC11973372 doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1543352 PubMed
  28. ZhouBG YanXL WanLY ZhangQ LiB AiYW. Effect of enhanced patient instructions on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Helicobacter. (2022) 27:e12869. doi: 10.1111/hel.1286935178810 doi:10.1111/hel.12869 PubMed

Attribution. You Lv, Hong-Hua Zhou, Jia-Geng Sun, Yu Qin, Ben-Gang Zhou. Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy vs. proton pump inhibitor based dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine (2025);12. doi:10.3389/fmed.2025.1739284 Copyright © 2026 Lv, Zhou, Sun, Qin and Zhou. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Reproduced from the open-access article via Europe PMC (PubMed 41613318). Text, tables and references reproduced from the open-access article; figures and images are not reproduced and no wording was changed.

About this article

Journal
Frontiers in Medicine
Year
2025
Licence
CC BY 4.0
Source
Europe PMC
PubMed
41613318
Field
Digestive System and Liver

EvidenceLib is a research-education resource, not medical advice. It does not diagnose, prescribe or recommend starting, stopping or changing any treatment. Talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation. Methods, sources and licences · Rights and removal requests · Legal · Support