Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for chronic pancreatitis pain
Safety and Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis and Its Associated Pain
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 ID | NIH-11179488 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diagnosed chronic pancreatitis who have persistent abdominal pain despite standard treatments would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hongjun — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hongjun
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 below.