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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002516-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-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.
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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.
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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.