Chronic Pancreatitis Research Network to Understand Symptoms and Find Treatments
Official title: Indiana University (IU) Clinical Center for Chronic Pancreatitis Clinical Research Network
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11400539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project advances studies of chronic pancreatitis to understand why some people progress and to test new ideas that could diagnose or slow the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 28, 2015 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $546,250 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK108323-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400539 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic pancreatitis or related pancreatic conditions, enrolled in ongoing cohorts like PROCEED or INSPPIRE-2, and individuals with suspected CP.
✕Less likely to help
People without chronic pancreatitis or those not meeting cohort criteria may not receive direct benefits from this program.
What this research studies
If you have chronic pancreatitis or are at risk, this program brings together large patient groups to study risk factors, biomarkers, imaging, and potential treatments. It builds on existing cohorts and tests new MRI criteria and a Gal-3 inhibitor approach to see if fibrosis can be slowed or reversed. The work involves longitudinal follow-up, blood and tissue samples, and advanced imaging to better diagnose and track disease progression. Results could lead to earlier diagnosis and new options to manage pain and prevent complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve diagnosis, slow fibrosis, and reduce pain for people with chronic pancreatitis.
How similar studies have gone: Current studies have established foundational cohorts and imaging biomarkers; this proposal aims to build on that with new biomarkers and a therapeutic test.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Easler, Jeffrey James — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Easler, Jeffrey James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Chronic Pancreatitis and Related Conditions Data Center Supports Multi-Center Research
A national effort to organize and share clinical data and biosamples from people with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatogenic diabetes, and pancreatic cancer to speed biomarker discovery and new treatments.
-
Malabsorption Blood Test for Exocrine Pancreatic Function in Chronic Pancreatitis
A blood test (MBT) will help identify people with mild to moderate pancreatic fat malabsorption and show how well enzyme therapy improves their quality of life.
-
Chronic Pancreatitis Clinical Research Cohort and Biorepository
A long-term study at UF/Advent Health following adults with acute, relapsing, and chronic pancreatitis to build a detailed group with biospecimens and data for better diagnosis and personalized care.
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Cedars-Sinai Center leads research on chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
A Cedars-Sinai research center is renewing its program to study chronic pancreatitis, diabetes-related pancreatic disease, and pancreatic cancer so doctors can better understand and treat these conditions.
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UPMC Center for Pancreatitis and Diabetes research program
A specialized center at the University of Pittsburgh is advancing clinical and biological studies of chronic pancreatitis, recurrent acute pancreatitis, and diabetes to improve understanding and care.
-
Chronic Pancreatitis Clinical Research Consortium at Stanford
A Stanford-based effort is renewing a patient-centered program to study chronic pancreatitis and recurrent acute pancreatitis, with ongoing recruitment of both adult and pediatric participants.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.