NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

New cell therapy for managing pain from chronic pancreatitis

Official title: Novel Cellular Therapy for the treatment of pain associated with chronic pancreatitis

Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11044062 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new treatment using special cells to help manage the severe abdominal pain caused by chronic pancreatitis, aiming to offer a safer option than opioids for veterans and others dealing with this tough condition.

More Pancreatitis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRalph H Johnson VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2024
Project endDecember 31, 2027
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01CX002516-02
Project IDNIH-11044062 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who suffer from chronic pancreatitis and associated abdominal pain.

Less likely to help

Patients with chronic pain not related to chronic pancreatitis or those who are not eligible for cellular therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel cellular therapy using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to treat chronic pain associated with chronic pancreatitis. The approach aims to provide an effective pain management solution that avoids the risks associated with opioid medications, which are often ineffective and can lead to addiction. By focusing on the unique pain mechanisms in chronic pancreatitis, the research seeks to develop a treatment that could improve the quality of life for patients suffering from severe abdominal pain. The study will involve harvesting and expanding MSCs for therapeutic use, with the goal of translating these findings into clinical practice for veterans and others affected by chronic pain.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain without the risks associated with opioid use.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using cellular therapies for pain management, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
    Charleston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wang, Hongjun — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Wang, Hongjun

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.