Table of Contents

Clinical Evidence Hub

CFTR Modulators in Pancreatitis

Evidence for CFTR-directed therapy across the spectrum of CFTR dysfunction — from diagnosable CFTR-related disease to functionally impaired CFTR without a variant

Emerging clinical evidence suggests fewer flares when CFTR dysfunction is treated

Across pediatric and adult real-world reports, including case series, chart reviews, and case reports, CFTR modulators (e.g., ivacaftor and elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) have been associated with meaningful reductions in pancreatitis flares and improvements in day-to-day symptom burden in select patients with CFTR dysfunction. The publications summarized below demonstrate clinical benefit in small cohorts and help establish the biological rationale for more systematic evaluation. No prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) has yet been completed, and the evidence reviewed here is drawn entirely from retrospective and observational sources.

Who This Evidence Applies To — and Who Can Access Treatment Today

Pancreatitis in these groups shares one mechanism: impaired CFTR function in the pancreatic duct. What differs is (1) why CFTR is impaired, (2) how strong the diagnostic claim is, and (3) whether treatment is reachable today. Read every claim in this Hub against the group it applies to. The formal CFTR-RD diagnostic label applies only to Group 1.

Group Who they are (CFTR basis) Access to modulators today Diagnostic basis / evidence strength
1. Diagnosable CFTR-RD Pathogenic CFTR variant(s) meeting ECFS CFTR-RD criteria; pancreatitis as a recognized pancreatic manifestation of CFTR-RD Reachable now through correct diagnosis and coding, where clinician expertise exists (demonstrated at NCH/OSU) Strongest — the formal CFTR-RD label applies
2. CFTR variant below the diagnostic bar A CFTR variant or variant of uncertain significance that does not meet ECFS CFTR-RD criteria (e.g., heterozygous carriers) Not routine today; path runs through new evidence → society guidance → insurer reference-book listings Intermediate — dysfunction at the mechanistic level; formal criteria not met
3. Functional CFTR dysfunction, no variant No pathogenic variant (including wild-type CFTR); channel functionally impaired, potentially acquired through the disease process Research-stage; no validated pathway yet to select these patients for therapy Weakest — laboratory (organoid/ex-vivo) support only
4. Pancreatitis unlikely to involve treatable CFTR dysfunction Established chronic pancreatitis with extensive fibrosis; pancreatic-insufficient patients (paradoxical-AP risk); non-CFTR etiologies Not a candidate for this therapy Not a CFTR-directed target

Key Clinical Takeaways

Across the published literature, a consistent signal emerges: patients with CFTR dysfunction who receive CFTR modulator therapy experience fewer and less severe pancreatitis episodes. The evidence spans multiple study designs, patient populations, and modulator types.

📉

Fewer Pancreatitis Flares

Both pediatric and adult cohorts show reductions in flare frequency after starting CFTR modulators, with some patients achieving flare-free status.

[1] [2] [3]
🏥

Reduced Acute-Care Utilization

Multiple reports describe decreased emergency department visits and hospitalizations for pancreatitis following modulator initiation, suggesting meaningful real-world impact.

[1] [2] [8]

Improved Quality of Life

Beyond flare counts, patients report resolution of chronic abdominal pain, improved daily function, and better overall quality of life on modulator therapy.

[4] [5] [6]

Timing of Intervention Matters

The strongest evidence is in patients with retained pancreatic function (acute and recurrent acute pancreatitis). In established chronic pancreatitis, structural damage may limit benefit. In pancreatic-insufficient patients, modulators may paradoxically trigger acute pancreatitis as acinar function restores.

[14] [15] [16]

Flare Reduction Before vs. After CFTR Modulator Therapy

The most compelling evidence for CFTR modulator efficacy comes from studies that directly compare pancreatitis flare rates in the same patients before and after starting treatment. The data below, drawn from four independent studies, shows reductions in pancreatitis episodes across different patient populations and modulator types. These are retrospective and observational studies; no randomized controlled trial data are yet available.

What do we mean by "pancreatitis flares"?

People living with pancreatitis often describe sudden worsening of symptoms, especially pain, as "flares." In clinical research in adults, these may overlap with acute pancreatitis attacks, formally defined by the Revised Atlanta criteria. Note that the Revised Atlanta criteria are not used in pediatric classification, where different diagnostic frameworks apply. In long-standing chronic pancreatitis, enzyme levels may not rise even during a flare, reinforcing the importance of consistent outcome definitions when measuring treatment response.

Pancreatitis Episodes: Before vs. After Modulator Therapy

Each panel represents an independent study. All show a consistent reduction in pancreatitis events following CFTR modulator initiation.

Pediatric Cohort (INSPPIRE-2)

Ginzburg et al. (2024), n=32 children with ARP/CP on CFTR modulators

CFTR variants present (CF & CFTR-RD)

Adult Chart Review (University of Iowa)

Wright et al. (2026), 10 adults with CFTR dysfunction

CFTR variants present (CF & CFTR-RD)

CF Case Series (Ivacaftor)

Carrion et al. (2018), 6 pancreatic-sufficient CF patients. Pre-treatment count estimated from case histories.

Classic CF (two CF-causing variants)

CFTR-Related Disorder Case Series

Ramsey et al. (2026), 3 individuals, 8.5 person-years follow-up

CFTR-Related Disorder (not classic CF)

Note: Studies used different metrics to measure flare frequency (incidence density, monthly rate, event counts). Charts are scaled within each study to show the direction and magnitude of change. All studies showed reduction in pancreatitis events on CFTR modulator therapy. *HEMT = Highly Effective Modulator Therapy (e.g., elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor).


Evidence at a Glance

The publications below span a range of study designs, from chart reviews to individual case reports, and collectively establish proof-of-concept for CFTR modulator efficacy in pancreatitis. While no randomized controlled trial has yet been completed, the convergent evidence across independent centers and patient populations is compelling.

Real-World Evidence: Cohort Studies & Chart Reviews

Chart Review Pediatric
Impact of CFTR Modulator Therapy on Acute Pancreatitis Frequency in Children with ARP/CP
Ginzburg et al. (2024), INSPPIRE-2 ePoster
In children with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis treated with CFTR modulators, pancreatitis flare incidence density decreased from 1.17 to 0.18 (p<0.001), an 85% reduction (n=32). Reductions in ER visits and hospitalizations were also observed.
Follow-up: Variable per patient; retrospective review of modulator treatment periods within INSPPIRE-2 registry data.
View Source ↗
Chart Review Adult
Beyond the Surface: Novel Therapy Approach for Pancreatitis in the Setting of CFTR Dysfunction
Wright et al. (2026), Case Rep Gastrointest Med
A retrospective chart review of 10 adults with CFTR dysfunction found that highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) reduced the average monthly pancreatitis episode rate from 0.33 to 0.09/month (73% reduction). Most patients also reported improvement in abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Follow-up: Pre-HEMT period defined as 2 years prior to initiation. Post-HEMT follow-up variable; at least 12 months recorded for most patients (7/10 had 12-month data).
View on PubMed Central ↗

Case Series

Case Series Cystic Fibrosis
Ivacaftor Reduces Recurrent Pancreatitis in Cystic Fibrosis
Carrion et al. (2018), J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr
Among six pancreatic-sufficient CF patients started on ivacaftor, only one flare occurred in months 0–3 and none in months 3–12.
Follow-up: 12 months (0–3 months and 3–12 months reported separately).
View on PubMed ↗
Case Series CFTR-Related Disorder
CFTR Modulators Reduce Acute Pancreatitis Episodes in CFTR-Related Disorders
Ramsey et al. (2026), J Cyst Fibros
Three individuals with CFTR-RD and recurrent acute pancreatitis were treated with CFTR modulators. Across a combined 8.5 person-years of follow-up, no additional acute pancreatitis events were reported. The authors call for randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
Follow-up: 8.5 combined person-years across 3 patients.
View on Journal of Cystic Fibrosis ↗
Case Series CFTR-Related Disorder
Therapeutic Hopes for CFTR-Related Recurrent Pancreatitis
Gohy, Scheers et al. (2026), J Cyst Fibros
Four patients with recurrent pancreatitis and CFTR-related disorder (CFTR-RD) were treated with CFTR modulators (ETI or ivacaftor). With a minimum follow-up of 9 months, both ETI and ivacaftor reduced or resolved acute pancreatitis episodes in all four patients. This multi-center Belgian case series adds to the growing international evidence base supporting CFTR modulator therapy for CFTR-RD-associated pancreatitis.
Follow-up: Minimum 9 months per patient.
View on Journal of Cystic Fibrosis ↗

Case Reports

Case Report
CF Patient with Recurrent Pancreatitis Improves on Ivacaftor
Johns & Rowe (2019), BMC Gastroenterol
A CF patient with recurrent pancreatitis experienced a flare-free interval on ivacaftor, recurrence after discontinuation, and improvement on rechallenge, a pattern that supports a causal treatment effect.
Follow-up: Includes a period of discontinuation and rechallenge; total follow-up duration not specified.
View on PubMed ↗
Case Report CFTR Carrier
Ivacaftor Benefits Idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis in a CFTR Carrier
Tang, Cruz & Konczal (2022), J Cyst Fibros
A CFTR carrier (heterozygous, not classic CF) with chronic pancreatitis and methylmalonic acidemia as a co-precipitating factor experienced clinical improvement on ivacaftor. This case extends the potential therapeutic target population beyond those with classic CF or CFTR-RD to include carriers with CFTR dysfunction and additional pancreatitis risk factors, though the role of the metabolic comorbidity should be considered when generalizing the finding. Off-label use: Ivacaftor has no FDA-approved indication for heterozygous CFTR carriers; this case is a proof-of-concept observation only.
Follow-up: 109 days on ivacaftor.
View on ScienceDirect ↗
Case Report Ivacaftor
Non-Pulmonary CF Symptoms Improve on Ivacaftor
Kuek & Massie (2023), Respirol Case Rep
A patient with non-pulmonary CF manifestations reported "no further episodes of pancreatitis" after starting ivacaftor, alongside broader improvements in other extrapulmonary symptoms.
Follow-up: Duration not specified in case report.
View on PubMed Central ↗

Why CFTR Restoration Can Reduce Pancreatitis Flares

The biological rationale for CFTR modulator therapy in pancreatitis is well established. CFTR channels are expressed throughout the pancreatic ductal epithelium, where they regulate the transport of chloride and bicarbonate ions. This ion transport is essential for maintaining the fluidity and alkalinity of pancreatic secretions, which in turn prevents premature enzyme activation and ductal obstruction.

When CFTR function is impaired, whether due to classic CF mutations, CFTR-related disorder variants, or even heterozygous carrier status, pancreatic ductal secretion is compromised. The resulting increase in secretion viscosity and loss of alkalinity can lead to protein plugging, ductal hypertension, and acinar cell injury, all of which are recognized triggers of pancreatitis. CFTR modulators aim to restore CFTR protein function in individuals with responsive variants, addressing this underlying pathophysiology directly.

The CFTR–Pancreatitis Pathway

How CFTR dysfunction leads to pancreatitis, and how modulators interrupt this process

1

CFTR Dysfunction

Pathogenic CFTR variants impair chloride and bicarbonate secretion in pancreatic ductal cells, reducing fluid flow and alkalinity.

2

Ductal Obstruction

Reduced secretion leads to protein plugging, ductal hypertension, and acinar cell stress, conditions that trigger inflammation.

3

Pancreatitis

Repeated inflammatory episodes cause acute pancreatitis attacks, which may progress to recurrent acute or chronic pancreatitis over time.

CFTR Modulator Therapy

Modulators restore CFTR protein function, improving ductal secretion and reducing the conditions that trigger pancreatitis flares.

Functional studies by Angyal et al. (2024) have confirmed that CFTR function is measurably impaired in a subset of pancreatitis patients carrying rare CFTR variants, even in the absence of classic CF symptoms. This reinforces the concept that CFTR-directed therapy is most relevant in a biologically defined subgroup, patients who can be identified through genetic testing and functional assessment.

Functional Study
CFTR Function Is Impaired in a Subset of Pancreatitis Patients Carrying Rare CFTR Variants
Angyal et al. (2024), J Cyst Fibros
Using nasal potential difference and intestinal current measurements, this study demonstrated that CFTR function is measurably reduced in a subset of pancreatitis patients with rare CFTR variants, even those who do not meet criteria for classic CF. This functional impairment supports the biological plausibility of modulator therapy in these patients.
View on ScienceDirect ↗
Preclinical / Translational Preprint
Chronic Pancreatitis Patient-Derived Organoids Reveal New Paths to Precision Therapeutics
Osorio-Vasquez, Engle et al. (2025), bioRxiv (PMC12633304)
Using a biobank of 36 patient-derived organoids (PDOs) from idiopathic, hereditary, and alcohol-related CP, this study found CFTR functional impairment in 50% of CP PDOs, including organoids derived from patients with wildtype CFTR (no pathogenic variant). Clinically available CFTR modulators restored CFTR function and suppressed pro-inflammatory and mitogenic signaling in both mutant and wildtype-CFTR organoids. The authors conclude that CFTR modulators represent a broadly applicable therapeutic strategy for CP.
View on PMC ↗ ⚠ Preprint: not yet peer reviewed. Mission Cure Capital, LLC is listed as a funder of this research.
Comprehensive Review
CFTR: A New Horizon in the Pathomechanism and Treatment of Pancreatitis
Hegyi et al. (2016), Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol
This landmark review synthesizes mechanistic evidence that CFTR dysfunction is central to pancreatitis across genetic, toxic (alcohol, bile acids, smoking), and acquired etiologies. Human studies cited in the review demonstrated reduced CFTR expression and function across all major forms of pancreatitis. The authors explicitly proposed CFTR modulator therapy as a candidate for the first disease-specific treatment of pancreatitis.
View on PubMed ↗
Clinical Review
CFTR Dysfunction, Pancreatic Duct Physiology, and Pancreatitis Risk
Phadke & Sellers (2022), Curr Opin Gastroenterol
This comprehensive clinical review details the mechanistic links between CFTR dysfunction and pancreatitis risk, reviewing the physiology of pancreatic ductal secretion and how CFTR variants across the spectrum of dysfunction, from classic CF to heterozygous carriers, may contribute to pancreatitis susceptibility.
View on PubMed Central ↗

European Clinical Guidelines Recognize CFTR-Related Pancreatitis

ECFS Standards of Care on CFTR-Related Disorders (2022–2024 series)

The European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) has published a four-part series of Standards of Care for CFTR-Related Disorders, establishing pancreatitis as one of the three primary established CFTR-RD conditions alongside congenital absence of the vas deferens and disseminated bronchiectasis.

The 2024 Simmonds et al. paper dedicates a full section to CFTR-RD pancreatitis, noting that CFTR modulators have been linked to decreased hospitalizations for acute pancreatitis and that the CFTR-RD classification "provides a mechanistic link" that means modulators "might in the future be considered as potential treatment option for CFTR-RD-associated pancreatitis." The guidelines also emphasize that specific CFTR variants affecting bicarbonate (not chloride) transport may cause pancreatitis with a normal sweat test, underscoring the importance of genetic testing in all patients with unexplained pancreatitis.

The 2022 Sermet-Gaudelus et al. paper defines the spectrum of CFTR dysfunction and notes that variants selectively altering bicarbonate transport preferentially affect the pancreas, a key mechanistic distinction from pulmonary CF.


Mechanistic Rationale: Beyond CFTR Mutations

Most of the clinical evidence on this page involves patients with identified CFTR variants. However, there is emerging scientific rationale for why CFTR modulators may also benefit a subset of pancreatitis patients in whom standard genetic testing finds no pathogenic variant.

The Acquired CFTR Dysfunction Hypothesis

CFTR protein function is not solely determined by genetics. In the setting of recurrent or chronic pancreatic inflammation, the local environment within the pancreatic duct can progressively impair CFTR channel activity, even in patients who carry no pathogenic variant. Repeated inflammatory insults, oxidative stress, and altered ductal pH can reduce the gating efficiency of otherwise structurally normal CFTR channels.

This means that some patients with chronic or recurrent pancreatitis may develop a state of acquired, functionally significant CFTR dysfunction, not because of a genetic defect, but as a consequence of the disease process itself. In this scenario, the CFTR channel is structurally intact but functionally impaired, and may in principle be amenable to potentiator therapy that enhances channel opening probability.

The Angyal et al. (2024) functional study is consistent with this concept: measurable CFTR dysfunction was confirmed in pancreatitis patients even among those with only rare or uncertain variants, suggesting that functional assessment, not just genotyping, may be needed to identify the full population of patients who could benefit.

A 2025 preprint by Osorio-Vasquez, Engle et al. provides the most direct experimental evidence to date for this hypothesis. Using patient-derived organoids from 36 CP patients across all major etiologies, the authors found CFTR functional impairment in 50% of organoid lines, including lines derived from patients with wildtype CFTR. Critically, clinically available CFTR modulators restored CFTR function and suppressed pro-inflammatory and mitogenic signaling in both mutant and wildtype-CFTR organoids. Note: this is a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. Mission Cure Capital, LLC is listed as a funder.

Clinical Implication

If acquired CFTR dysfunction contributes to pancreatitis in some patients, genetic testing alone may not capture the full population who could benefit from CFTR-directed therapy. CFTR functional tests such as nasal potential difference (NPD) and intestinal current measurement (ICM) exist, but their correlation with modulator response is imperfect even in well-studied CF populations, and their role in identifying pancreatitis patients for treatment has not been validated. A 2026 Lancet Respiratory Medicine Personal View by Zemanick et al. reinforces this point, noting that individual-level associations between sweat chloride and clinical outcomes in CF are modest and complex even in well-characterized populations, and that post-modulator biomarker concentrations predictive of adequate CFTR function restoration for an individual remain unknown. At present, no standardized pathway exists for using functional testing to select pancreatitis patients for modulator therapy, and this remains an open research question.

Important Caveat

The acquired dysfunction hypothesis remains speculative in the absence of prospective clinical data. No published trial has yet tested CFTR modulators in genotype-negative pancreatitis patients selected on the basis of functional impairment. This represents an important and open research question that systematic study could address.


The Case for Early Intervention and Caution in Established Chronic Pancreatitis

Emerging evidence suggests that the timing of CFTR modulator initiation relative to disease stage may significantly influence outcomes. Two distinct considerations shape this picture: the potential for paradoxical acute pancreatitis in pancreatic-insufficient patients, and the diminishing therapeutic window as structural damage accumulates.

Paradox in Pancreatic-Insufficient Patients

Gould et al. (2022) reported five pancreatic-insufficient CF children who developed acute pancreatitis after starting modulators (median 30 months after initiation). Three showed rising fecal elastase, suggesting modulators restored acinar function before ductal flow caught up, creating a temporary functional mismatch. Sadras et al. (2023) reported the same pattern with ETI (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor).

This is paradoxical evidence that modulators are biologically active in the pancreas, but it flags a potential clinical risk specifically for patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency starting modulator therapy. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility and monitor accordingly.

Disease Stage and the Therapeutic Window

Per Whitcomb's disease progression model (Kleeff et al., Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017), pancreatitis progresses through stages from acute to recurrent acute to early chronic to established chronic pancreatitis with fibrosis. The therapeutic window for CFTR modulators is likely strongest at the acute and recurrent acute pancreatitis stages, and potentially extends into early chronic pancreatitis.

Once established chronic pancreatitis with extensive fibrosis is present, the ductal epithelial tissue that CFTR modulators target may no longer be functional or present in sufficient quantity. In this setting, modulators appear less likely to provide meaningful benefit. This disease-stage dependency is consistent with the broader principle that disease-modifying therapies are most effective before irreversible structural damage occurs.

Clinical Implication

These findings collectively argue for early identification and early intervention in patients with CFTR dysfunction and pancreatitis. Waiting until chronic pancreatitis is established may significantly reduce the likelihood of benefit. Conversely, in pancreatic-insufficient patients, modulator initiation should be accompanied by monitoring for paradoxical acute pancreatitis.


How Common Are CFTR Variants in Pancreatitis?

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis by Jiang et al. provides the most comprehensive prevalence data to date, analyzing 138 studies involving more than 21,000 pancreatitis patients who underwent CFTR genetic testing.

8.0%
of Acute Pancreatitis patients carry a pathogenic CFTR variant
16.4%
of Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis patients carry a pathogenic CFTR variant
15.3%
of Chronic Pancreatitis patients carry a pathogenic CFTR variant

An important limitation: these estimates come from patients who already underwent CFTR genetic testing, a non-representative group skewed toward those with suspected hereditary pancreatitis. Patients with atypical presentations may not be captured, and more representative estimates may eventually emerge from population biobanks such as All of Us or the UK Biobank.

Putting these numbers in context

The prevalence of pathogenic CFTR variants in the general population is approximately 1–4% (heterozygous carriers). The 2–4× higher prevalence in recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis populations suggests a potential causal contribution of CFTR dysfunction to pancreatitis risk in a subset of patients, and identifies a patient subgroup who may benefit from CFTR-directed therapy.

Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Prevalence of CFTR Pathogenic Variants in Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Jiang et al. (2025), Clin Transl Gastroenterol
This meta-analysis of 138 studies (21,000+ participants) provides the most comprehensive prevalence estimates for CFTR variants across pancreatitis subtypes. The study found that pathogenic CFTR variants are 2–4× more common in pancreatitis patients than in the general population, with the highest prevalence in recurrent acute pancreatitis (16.4%) and chronic pancreatitis (15.3%). The authors conclude that CFTR genetic testing should be considered in all patients with unexplained pancreatitis.
View on PubMed Central ↗

CFTR Variants in Chronic Pancreatitis: What We Know

Beyond prevalence, understanding which CFTR variants are present in pancreatitis populations, and which are potentially responsive to existing modulators, is critical for identifying patients most likely to benefit from treatment. A systematic review conducted by Mission: Cure provides the most comprehensive characterization of the CFTR variant landscape in chronic pancreatitis and recurrent acute pancreatitis to date.

Mission: Cure Systematic Review of CFTR Variants in Chronic Pancreatitis

Tan, Potter, Nelson, Golden, Sellers, Morgan & Rahib, Mission: Cure (2024)

45

publications reviewed, including 5,550 individuals with CP or RAP who underwent CFTR genetic testing

~18%

of tested individuals carried at least one CFTR variant (1,009/5,550), with 73% having one variant and 26% having more than one

423

unique CFTR variants identified across studies, spanning 230 single variants and 193 compound heterozygous combinations

22/45

categorized variants have demonstrated in vitro responsiveness to CFTR modulators, identifying a directly targetable subgroup

The variant classification data from this review is particularly important for therapeutic planning. Of the 45 categorized variants identified in pancreatitis patients, 22 have been shown to respond to CFTR modulators in laboratory studies. This suggests that a meaningful proportion of CFTR-variant-positive pancreatitis patients may be candidates for existing approved modulators, pending clinical validation.

F508del: The Most Common Variant

F508del (Class II) is the most globally prevalent CFTR variant and is also the most commonly reported variant in pancreatitis populations. It is responsive to elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI/Trikafta) in vitro and in clinical CF studies. Several of the case reports and chart reviews described on this page involve patients with F508del variants.

CFTR Variant Classes Found in Pancreatitis Populations

Based on Mission: Cure systematic review (2024). Class II includes F508del, the most globally prevalent variant.

Source: Mission: Cure Systematic Review Poster (2024). 45 variants categorized across 5 functional classes. Class III variants (gating defects, e.g., G551D) are responsive to ivacaftor.


Summary of Published Evidence

The table below provides a structured overview of all key publications, organized by study design and patient population. Together, these studies represent the current state of evidence for CFTR modulator therapy in pancreatitis, a growing body of convergent findings that collectively support the need for a prospective randomized trial.

Publication Study Type Population Modulator Key Finding
Ginzburg et al. (2024)Chart ReviewPediatric ARP/CPETI, ivacaftor, lumacaftor/ivacaftorIncidence density: 1.17 → 0.18 (p<0.001); 85% reduction
Wright et al. (2026)Chart ReviewAdult, CFTR dysfunctionETI (HEMT)Monthly rate: 0.33 → 0.09; 73% reduction
Ramsey et al. (2026)Case SeriesCFTR-related disorder (n=3)ETI, ivacaftor0 AP events over 8.5 person-years on therapy
Gohy, Scheers et al. (2026)Case SeriesCFTR-related disorder (n=4)ETI, ivacaftorReduced or resolved AP episodes in all 4 patients; minimum 9 months follow-up
Carrion et al. (2018)Case SeriesCF, pancreatic-sufficient (n=6)Ivacaftor1 flare in months 0–3; 0 flares in months 3–12
Johns & Rowe (2019)Case ReportCF, recurrent pancreatitisIvacaftorFlare-free on therapy; recurrence off; improvement on rechallenge
Tang et al. (2022)Case ReportCFTR carrier, CP + methylmalonic acidemiaIvacaftorClinical improvement in pancreatitis symptoms
Kuek & Massie (2023)Case ReportNon-pulmonary CFIvacaftorNo further pancreatitis episodes on ivacaftor
Angyal et al. (2024)Functional StudyPancreatitis with rare CFTR variantsN/A (mechanistic)Measurably impaired CFTR function confirmed in subset
Hegyi et al. (2016)Comprehensive ReviewAll pancreatitis forms (genetic, toxic, acquired)N/A (mechanistic)CFTR dysfunction confirmed across all pancreatitis etiologies; proposes modulators as first disease-specific therapy
Gould et al. (2022)Case SeriesPancreatic-insufficient CF, pediatric (n=5)ETI, ivacaftor, lum/ivaAP developed after modulator initiation; 3/5 showed improved pancreatic function
Osorio-Vasquez et al. (2025) [Preprint]Preclinical / TranslationalCP patient-derived organoids (n=36)ETI, ivacaftor, lumacaftor/ivacaftorCFTR dysfunction in 50% of PDOs including wildtype CFTR; modulators restored function and reduced inflammation
Jiang et al. (2025)Systematic Review21,000+ pancreatitis patientsN/A (prevalence)CFTR variants in 8.0% AP, 16.4% RAP, 15.3% CP

References

Clinical Evidence

  1. 1.Ginzburg et al. (2024). The Impact of CFTR Modulator Therapy on Acute Pancreatitis Frequency in Children with Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis: A Report from INSPPIRE-2 [ePoster]. American Pancreatic Association Annual Meeting. iro.uiowa.edu ↗
  2. 2.Wright BA, Hodapp E, Hornick DB, Peña TA. (2026). Beyond the Surface: Novel Therapy Approach for Pancreatitis in the Setting of CFTR Dysfunction. Case Rep Gastrointest Med. 2026:9525069. PMC12796969 ↗
  3. 3.Carrion AF, et al. (2018). Ivacaftor reduces recurrent pancreatitis in cystic fibrosis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 17(1):e1–e3. PMID 29045347 ↗
  4. 4.Johns JD, Rowe SM. (2019). CF patient with recurrent pancreatitis improves on ivacaftor. BMC Gastroenterol. 18(5):e51–e52. PMID 31296159 ↗
  5. 5.Tang A, Cruz I, Konczal L. (2022). Ivacaftor benefits idiopathic chronic pancreatitis in a CFTR carrier. J Cyst Fibros. 21(5):e10–e12. ScienceDirect ↗
  6. 6.Kuek S, Massie J. (2023). Non-pulmonary CF symptoms improve on ivacaftor. Respirol Case Rep. 58(1):339–342. PMC9772395 ↗
  7. 7.Phadke SR, Sellers ZM. (2022). CFTR dysfunction, pancreatic duct physiology, and pancreatitis risk. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 38(5):521–527. PMC9256802 ↗
  8. 8.Ramsey ML, Corzo M, Bass R, Lara LF, Hart PA, Freeman AJ. (2026). CFTR modulators reduce acute pancreatitis episodes in individuals with CFTR-related disorders: A case series. J Cyst Fibros. cysticfibrosisjournal.com ↗
  9. 9.Angyal D, et al. (2024). CFTR function is impaired in a subset of patients with pancreatitis carrying rare CFTR variants. J Cyst Fibros. ScienceDirect ↗
  10. 10.Jiang J, Waidyaratne G, Mussad S, et al. (2025). Prevalence of CFTR Pathogenic Variants in Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 16(7):e00846. PMC12330363 ↗
  11. 11.Tan Y, Potter S, Nelson C, Golden M, Sellers ZM, Morgan D, Rahib L. (2024). Systematic Review of CFTR Variants in Individuals with Chronic Pancreatitis [Poster]. Mission: Cure.
  12. 12.Gohy S, Le A, Sermet-Gaudelus I, De Wachter E, Lhomme A, Vermeulen F, Scheers I. (2026). Therapeutic hopes for CFTR-related recurrent pancreatitis: a case-series. J Cyst Fibros. S1569-1993(26)00037-8. PMID 41735157 ↗
  13. 13.Hegyi P, Wilschanski M, Muallem S, Lukacs GL, Sahin-Tóth M, Uc A, Gray MA, Rakonczay Z Jr, Maléth J. (2016). CFTR: A New Horizon in the Pathomechanism and Treatment of Pancreatitis. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol. 170:37–66. PMID 26856995 ↗
  14. 14.Gould ER, Bhatt P, Rao SS, Bhatt P, Patel A. (2022). Acute pancreatitis in cystic fibrosis patients on CFTR modulator therapy. J Cyst Fibros. 21(4):600–602. PMID 34732308 ↗
  15. 15.Sadras I, et al. (2023). Acute pancreatitis following elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor initiation in cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros. PMID 36914434 ↗
  16. 16.Kleeff J, Whitcomb DC, Shimosegawa T, et al. (2017). Chronic pancreatitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 3:17060. PMID 28880010 ↗
  17. 17.Osorio-Vasquez V, Zhu J, Lumibao JC, et al. (2025). Chronic pancreatitis patient-derived organoids reveal new paths to precision therapeutics. bioRxiv preprint. [Preprint; not peer reviewed. Funded in part by Mission Cure Capital, LLC.] PMC12633304 ↗
  18. 18.Zemanick ET, Graeber SY, Castellani C, et al. (2026). The role of sweat chloride in determining CFTR protein restoration in people with cystic fibrosis. Lancet Respir Med. Published online July 13, 2026. [Personal View; cited for context on individual-level CFTR biomarker limitations in CF, not a pancreatitis study.] doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(26)00159-1 ↗

ECFS Standards of Care on CFTR-Related Disorders

  1. 19.Simmonds NJ, et al. (2024). ECFS standards of care on CFTR-related disorders: Identification and care of the disorders. J Cyst Fibros. doi:10.1016/j.jcf.2024.03.008 ↗
  2. 20.Sermet-Gaudelus I, et al. (2022). ECFS standards of care on CFTR-related disorders: Diagnostic criteria of CFTR dysfunction. J Cyst Fibros. 21(5):922–936. doi:10.1016/j.jcf.2022.09.005 ↗
  3. 21.Castellani C, et al. (2022). ECFS standards of care on CFTR-related disorders: Updated diagnostic criteria. J Cyst Fibros. 21(5):908–921. doi:10.1016/j.jcf.2022.09.011 ↗
  4. 22.De Wachter E, et al. (2024). ECFS standards of care on CFTR-related disorders: Towards a comprehensive program for affected individuals. J Cyst Fibros. 23(3):388–397. doi:10.1016/j.jcf.2024.01.012 ↗

This page summarizes published, peer-reviewed and preprint evidence and is intended for educational and research purposes. It does not constitute medical advice.

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