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.
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 start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $393,980 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DK136705-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-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.
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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.
-
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.
-
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.