Sugars that coat proteins are a possible drug target for pancreatitis

CA19-9 is a complex sugar structure that coats proteins. Elevated levels of CA19-9 was found to cause inflammation in the pancreas in mice and promote rapid progression to pancreatic cancer. By neutralizing the functions of CA19-9 with antibodies, researchers were able to reduce and even prevent pancreatic damage in animal models.
Source: Science Daily, https://www.sciencedaily.com