Using stem cells to treat chronic pancreatitis and its pain
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-11066700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether mesenchymal stem cells can help people with chronic pancreatitis by reducing pain and inflammation, and if you join, you might receive these stem cell infusions to see if they can improve your comfort and overall well-being.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $387,185 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3DK136705-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pancreatitis who experience persistent abdominal pain and are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pancreatitis or those with acute pancreatitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential treatment for chronic pancreatitis, a condition that causes severe abdominal pain and often leads to opioid dependence. The study aims to explore how MSCs can reduce inflammation and pain by releasing beneficial factors that promote healing and reduce stress in the pancreas. Patients participating in this research may receive MSC infusions, which have shown promise in previous studies for alleviating chronic pain and improving quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer, non-addictive alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain associated with pancreatitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with MSC therapy in reducing pain and inflammation in various conditions, indicating a potential for success in this novel application.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.