NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Safety and pain relief with stem cells for chronic pancreatitis

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-11380938 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Aims to see if stem cell therapy can safely lessen chronic pancreas pain and improve quality of life for people with chronic pancreatitis.

More Pancreatitis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$393,980
NIH project number5UH3DK136705-04
Project IDNIH-11380938 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis who have significant abdominal pain.

Less likely to help

Patients without chronic pancreatitis or with conditions unlikely to respond to stem cell therapy may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project tests a stem cell treatment in people with chronic pancreatitis who suffer persistent pain. Researchers will study how mesenchymal stem cells affect pain pathways and inflammation, using careful monitoring for safety and dosing. If the therapy helps, patients could experience less pain and reduced reliance on opioids, with closer follow-up from their medical team. Participation would involve medical visits, possible cell infusions, and follow-up assessments over time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less pain and improved daily functioning with fewer opioid needs.

How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and early human studies with MSCs suggest potential for pain reduction and anti-inflammatory effects, but results vary by condition.

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.

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.