Can an arthritis drug quiet the pain of chronic pancreatitis?
NCT ID NCT06426160
First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Summary
This trial tests whether tocilizumab, an anti-inflammatory drug used for arthritis, can reduce pain and improve quality of life in people with chronic pancreatitis. Participants receive either tocilizumab or a placebo every four weeks for 24 weeks. The study measures changes in pain scores and overall well-being to see if the drug offers meaningful relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- tocilizumab (an anti-inflammatory drug that blocks interleukin-6 receptors)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, tocilizumab could offer a new way to reduce chronic pain and improve daily functioning for people with chronic pancreatitis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial. The drug may not outperform placebo, and tocilizumab carries risks like infection and liver issues.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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32 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2024
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed informed consent. * Probable or definitive diagnosis of CP according to the M-ANNHEIM criteria. This entails a typical clinical history of CP, including recurrent pancreatitis or abdominal pain in combination with the following additional criteria: * A definitive diagnosis of CP is established by one or more of the following additional criteria: * i) Pancreatic calcification * ii) Moderate or marked ductal lesions (according to the Cambridge classification) * iii) Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, defined as pancreatic steatorrhea markedly reduced by enzyme supplementation * iv) Histological verification of CP * A probable diagnosis of CP is established by one or more of the following additional criteria: * i) Mild ductal alterations (according to the Cambridge classification) * ii) Recurrent or persistent pseudocysts * iii) Pathological test of pancreatic exocrine function (such as faecal elastase-1 test, secretin test, secretin-pancreozymin test) * iv) Diabetes mellitus * Abdominal pain of presumed pancreatic origin (i.e., upper abdominal pain radiating to the back). * Evidence of ongoing pancreatic inflammatory activity, with an inflammatory pancreatic flare occurring one or more times within the past six months. An inflammatory pancreatic flare is defined as an exacerbation of pancreatic pain in combination with one or more of the following criteria: * i) Plasma amylase levels elevated 2-fold or more than the participant's usual amylase level. * ii) Elevated plasma levels of CRP 2-fold the upper normal level without suspicion of other sources such as infection. * iii) Signs of pancreatic inflammation on cross-sectional imaging. * ≥ 18 years of age * The participant must be able to read and understand the informed consent forms. * The participant is willing and able to comply with the scheduled visits, treatment plan, and other trial procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * End-stage CP indicated by severe pancreatic atrophy defined as segmented pancreas volume \<20 ml on the latest available cross-sectional imaging examination (Computed Tomography (CT) or MRI). * Pancreatic duct obstruction by a stricture and/or stone amendable to endoscopic or surgical treatment. Patients with previous pancreatic duct decompression procedures are allowed to participate. * Ongoing alcohol or substance abuse. The patient must document abstinence from alcohol and substance abuse for the preceding six months prior to study enrolment. Recreational alcohol consumption within the safety limits recommended by the National Danish Health Authorities (i.e., max. ten units of alcohol per week) is allowed. * Active or recurrent infections. * Untreated ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract (however, those who have undergone proper treatment and one month has elapsed with no recurrence of symptoms will not be excluded). * Known hypersensitivity to Tocilizumab. * Positive test for Tuberculosis during screening * Positive test for Hepatitis during screening * Severe liver disease, indicated by ALT with \>5 upper normal limits. * Thrombocytopenia (platelet count \< 50 x 109/L). * Neutropenia (neutrophil count \<2 x 109/L). * Pregnancy and no contraception use, fertile women (\<55 years) must provide a urine sample for pregnancy test upon inclusion.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Centre for Pancreatic Diseases and Mech-Sense research laboratory, Aalborg University Hospital
Aalborg, North Denmark, 9000, Denmark
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Fungal enzymes could replace pig enzymes for digestive aid in pancreatitis
- Basket or balloon: which tool best clears pancreatic stones?
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- Pancreas removal plus islet transplant: a new hope for chronic pancreatitis pain?
- New trial tests which diabetes drug works best for pancreatitis patients