Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
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- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is when food is poorly digested due to malfunctions of the pancreas, which may result from inefficient secretion, stimulation, production, transport, or interaction with various nutrients at the level of the duodenum. Protheragen concentrates its efforts on drug research and development and possesses unique preclinical research capabilities for EPI which, enables specialists in this field to expedite the pharmaceutical conversion of drug candidates.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is classified as reduced secretion of pancreatic enzymes and bicarbonate resulting in inadequate digestion. This condition is particularly prevalent in cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis malnourished individuals. Deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, in addition to steatorrhea and a low coefficient of fat absorption (CFA), comprise the primary effects of EPI.
Fig.1 Mechanisms of dysbiosis in EPI. (Halle-Smith, J. M., et al., 2023)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is chiefly caused by pancreatic diseases identified with CP, cystic fibrosis, and status post necrotizing acute pancreatitis. However, EPI may also stem from obstruction caused by a tumor or stricture within the pancreatic ductal system, reduced intestinal stimulation due to untreated celiac or Crohn's disease, increased intraluminal inactivation of pancreatic enzymes due to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and impaired mixing of normal food and pancreatic juice after upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Fig.2 Diagnosis and PERT utilization in EPI. (Roeyen, G., et al., 2022)
| Drug Names | Mechanism of Action | Targets | NCT Number | Research Phase |
| Yarrowia lipolytica Lipase 2 | Enhances lipid uptake in an animal model with EPI. | Fats | / | Preclinical |
| Pancrelipase | Digestive enzymes that replace endogenous pancreatic enzymes. | Fats, proteins, carbohydrates | NCT06477159 | Phase IV |
| ANG003 | A novel category of comprehensive digestive enzyme replacement therapy. | Lipase, peptidases, amylase | NCT06052293 | Phase I |
| CDX-7108 | A modified lipase variant designed to address the constraints of conventional PERT inadequacies. | / | NCT05082051 | Phase I |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Protheragen performs literature review and preclinical studies to establish potential drug candidates and their effects on EPI. This evidential approach enables us to concentrate on the most promising therapies. We provide an all-inclusive service for the EPI preclinical research and development, which encompasses novel diagnostic and therapeutic development and disease model development services for efficient rare digestive system diseases therapeutic discovery and development.
Having animal models for EPI enables the reproduction of the condition which is necessary for research on its mechanisms, therapeutics, and possible therapies. We provide a full range of supporting services, including model development, exocrine function evaluation, and therapeutic analysis for research in the field.
In these models, the pancreatic duct is surgically tied off to prevent the secretion of the enzymes, resulting in atrophy of acinar cells, and to generate an EPI model.
Chronic pancreatitis can be induced in rodents by repetitive administration of Cerulein which causes inflammation, fibrosis, and a subsequent reduction of exocrine function.
Genetically engineered models such as CFTR knockout or mutant replicate the pancreatic dysfunction seen in cystic fibrosis, one of the conditions associated with EPI.
Because of our collaboration and specialized expertise in providing services like pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and biosafety evaluation, Protheragen emerges as a credible partner for those dealing with rare intestinal diseases. If you are interested in our services, then do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
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All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.