Pancreatitis News and Research

RSS

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzymes join with bile—a liquid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder—to digest food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body regulate the glucose it takes from food for energy.

Normally, digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas do not become active until they reach the small intestine. But when the pancreas is inflamed, the enzymes inside it attack and damage the tissues that produce them.

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Either form is serious and can lead to complications. In severe cases, bleeding, infection, and permanent tissue damage may occur.

Georgia State scientist receives $25,000 grant to develop mechanisms for treating obesity

Chong Hyun Shin, a research associate professor in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University, has received a $25,000 grant to develop mechanisms for treating obesity and obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions.

23 Sep 2025

Daily orforglipron GLP-1 pill achieves over 11% weight loss in global obesity trial

In a phase 3 trial, once-daily oral orforglipron induced significant, dose-dependent weight loss over 72 weeks in adults with obesity but no diabetes. It also improved multiple cardiometabolic markers with a safety profile similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

18 Sep 2025

New genetic test redefines diagnosis and management of hereditary pancreatitis

A new genetic test developed at Mayo Clinic is redefining how clinicians diagnose and manage hereditary pancreatitis.

11 Sep 2025

Diabetes drugs linked to higher risk of rare optic nerve damage

...

14 Aug 2025

NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk performs first robotic cancer surgeries

Continuing its transformation since joining NYU Langone Health, the operative team at NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk recently performed four complex robotic surgeries that had never been offered at the facility before, three of which successfully removed cancerous tumors from patients.

13 Aug 2025

Blocking CREB may prevent alcohol-related pancreatic cancer

Despite increasing evidence linking alcohol consumption to cancer, little is known about the biological mechanisms behind the association.

12 Aug 2025

Which GLP-1 meds have the most side effects? Study of 60,000 Facebook posts gives answers

Researchers analyzed nearly 60,000 public Facebook posts to identify real-world adverse events linked to GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications. Gastrointestinal symptoms were most common, while mental health concerns and tirzepatide-specific side effects were also flagged.

28 Jul 2025

ChatGPT matches radiologists in pancreatic cyst analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI) models such as ChatGPT are designed to rapidly process data. Using the AI ChatGPT-4 platform to extract and analyze specific data points from the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with pancreatic cysts, researchers found near-perfect accuracy when compared directly against the manual approach of chart review performed by radiologists, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS).

15 Jul 2025

New guidance helps GPs manage patients using weight loss drugs

Academics at King's College London and the University of East Anglia have released guidance for GPs on how to manage patients who may be privately accessing weight loss drugs.

25 Jun 2025

Cagrilintide and semaglutide together drive record weight loss in global trial

A 68-week phase 3 trial found that coadministered cagrilintide and semaglutide led to significant and clinically meaningful weight loss in adults with obesity but no diabetes. The combination outperformed either drug alone and improved multiple cardiometabolic health markers.

23 Jun 2025

Amycretin delivers unprecedented weight loss in early trial for obesity treatment

Once-weekly amycretin, a novel peptide activating GLP-1, amylin, and calcitonin receptors, produced rapid, substantial, and sustained weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity during a phase 1b/2a trial. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects, supporting further investigation in larger, longer studies.

23 Jun 2025

Paper-based devices show high accuracy in detecting asymptomatic malaria

Devices made with cheap strips of paper have outperformed two other testing methods in detecting malaria infection in asymptomatic people in Ghana – a diagnostic advance that could accelerate efforts to eliminate the disease, researchers say.

16 Jun 2025

Large global study links higher alcohol intake to increased pancreatic cancer risk

A pooled analysis of over 2.4 million adults across four continents shows a modest but significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk with higher alcohol consumption. The risk is especially pronounced for beer and liquor, and at higher intake levels in men and women.

25 May 2025

Tirzepatide outperforms semaglutide for weight loss in people without diabetes

A head-to-head trial found that tirzepatide led to significantly greater weight loss and waist reduction than semaglutide in adults with obesity but without diabetes. Over 72 weeks, tirzepatide helped more participants reach key weight loss milestones, with manageable side effects and strong metabolic benefits.

12 May 2025

Body image concerns drive interest in GLP-1 weight loss drugs, study finds

A new study from Rutgers University links higher body dissatisfaction, BMI, and maladaptive weight loss behaviors with interest in GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Conversely, body appreciation appears to protect against this interest, especially in the face of potential side effects.

23 Apr 2025

Keto controversy? Experts say it’s here to stay

Low-carb and ketogenic diets offer sustainable solutions for chronic disease, enhancing metabolic health and supporting weight loss through dietary changes.

18 Mar 2025

Impact of excessive alcohol consumption on digestive health

Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern, responsible for approximately 6% of all deaths and contributing to 5.1% of the global disease burden.

12 Mar 2025

Could a keto diet replace diabetes meds? New research explores the possibilities

A review published in Nutrients finds that ketogenic diets (KD) may offer superior benefits for weight loss, blood sugar control, and inflammation compared to other diets. Researchers also highlight potential mental health improvements but call for more clinical trials.

11 Mar 2025

Benefits and risks of popular weight-loss drugs revealed

Demand for weight-loss medications sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy continues to surge, with a recent study reporting one in eight Americans has taken or is currently using the drugs to treat diabetes, heart disease or obesity.

20 Jan 2025

Semaglutide improves glycemic control with automated insulin delivery

Semaglutide combined with automated insulin delivery enhances glucose control in type 1 diabetes, lowering insulin requirements and aiding weight management.

15 Jan 2025