Table 2.

A tentative (SWOT) strategic analysis of potential for research in GORD

Strengths (S)

Wide prevalence of GORD (possibility to recruit large cohorts)

Good pathophysiological knowledge

Several well-identified targets for new therapy

Weaknesses (W)

Effective therapy already available for the large majority of patients

Limited number of predictors of efficacy, and difficulty identifying adequate populations for clinical trials

Opportunities (O)

New tools (e.g. pH-impedance) to improve the characterization of phenotypes

Interest of the scientific community for new concepts (e.g. visceral perception)

Improved communication about GORD towards larger audiences (public, GPs)

Threats (T)

Limited interest of research agencies for non-life-threatening conditions

Reduced interest of the biomedical industry for GORD and functional disorders in general; fears about safety in non-life-threatening diseases

Difficulties for innovative treatments to gain funding approval in a difficult economic context