Pancreatic enzyme use to reduce pancreatitis episodes in children
Official title: PAncreatic enzyme USE Reduces the frequency of pancreatitis in children with pancreatic sufficient acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11346366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy can cut episodes of pancreatitis and improve quality of life for children with pancreatic-relevant ARP or CP.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $822,172 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK147528-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11346366 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with pancreatic sufficient ARP or CP who have prior episodes and can take pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Some children may not respond to PERT or may have contraindications or tolerability issues.
What this research studies
This project focuses on children with acute recurrent pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis and investigates whether pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) can lower the number of pancreatitis episodes and slow disease progression. The team will conduct pediatric-specific clinical work to determine safety and effectiveness in reducing pain and disruption to daily life, rather than relying on adult data. By enrolling children with ARP or CP and following them over time, researchers aim to generate guidance tailored to pediatric patients and their families. If successful, this approach could lessen hospital visits, improve growth and daily functioning, and inform future treatment options for kids with pancreatic disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children with ARP or CP may experience fewer pancreatitis episodes and better quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Existing retrospective data in a small pediatric cohort suggested fewer AP episodes with PERT, but rigorous pediatric trials are needed to confirm benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freeman, Alvin Jay — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Freeman, Alvin Jay
Related research
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Chronic Pancreatitis Clinical Research Cohort and Biorepository
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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.