RecruitingPhase 4

Malabsorption Blood Test (MBT) to Determine Exocrine Pancreatic Function and Related Quality of Life in Chronic Pancreatitis

United States80 participantsStarted 2026-04-20

Plain-language summary

This project uses the Malabsorption Blood Test (MBT) to identify patients with recurrent acute or chronic pancreatitis who have mild to moderate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. A subgroup of patients who have response to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy will enter a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial for 8 weeks to identify improvements in quality of life (QOL).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria * ≥ 18 years of age * RAP (≥ 2 documented lifetime attacks with ≥ 2 of 3 acute pancreatitis criteria) OR Chronic pancreatitis (Cambridge I or II with documented history of AP OR Cambridge III or IV criteria) * Fecal elastase ≥ 50 within the preceding 12 months Exclusion Criteria * Allergy/Intolerance to PERT/MBT * Taking medications that alter fat absorption or that supplement the fatty acids being studied (e.g. orlistat, ursodeoxycholic acid, Fatty-15 fatty acid supplement etc.) * Taking GLP-1 Receptor Agonist therapy * Fecal elastase \<50 within preceding 12 months OR pre-existing diagnosis of severe Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, or ongoing steatorrhea * Receiving Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy for \> 5 days within the preceding 30 days * Acute Pancreatitis attack (documented and meeting at least 2 of 3 criteria) within the preceding 90 days * History of pancreatic resection or underlying malabsorptive disease * Pregnant or Breast Feeding * Other significant medical condition as judged by Principal Investigator

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Primary Outcome (Aim 1)

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Primary Outcome (Aim 2)

Timeframe: Baseline (at time of entry to RCT) to completion of RCT, 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07418593

SponsorAnna Evans Phillips

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-06

Contact for this trial

Anna E Phillips, MD MS

412-864-7096 Evansac3@upmc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Pancreatitis trials