Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for chronic pancreatitis pain
Official title: Safety and Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis and Its Associated Pain
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11179488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Infusions of mesenchymal stem cells aim to reduce long-term pancreas inflammation and abdominal pain for people with chronic pancreatitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $395,369 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DK136705-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11179488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diagnosed chronic pancreatitis who have persistent abdominal pain despite standard treatments would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with acute pancreatitis, pain from non-pancreatic causes, or certain immune conditions or contraindications (for example, pregnancy or active infection) may not benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
This program plans to treat people with chronic pancreatitis using infusions of mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells that release anti-inflammatory and tissue-protecting factors. The team builds on animal data and prior clinical work showing MSCs can lower inflammation and nerve-related pain. Participants would receive MSC infusions and be followed for pain, inflammation, and quality-of-life measures over time. The goal is to see if this approach can give durable pain relief with fewer opioids and better daily functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could reduce abdominal pain, lower opioid use, and improve quality of life for people with chronic pancreatitis.
How similar studies have gone: Animal studies and some early clinical trials in other inflammatory or pain conditions have shown promising reductions in inflammation and pain, but use specifically for chronic pancreatitis remains under study.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hongjun — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hongjun
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.
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Chronic Pancreatitis Research Network to Understand Symptoms and Find Treatments
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.
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.