This document provides materials and methods for treating pancreatitis (e.g., acute pancreatitis). For example, methods and materials for administering dabigatran to treat a mammal having pancreatitis (e.g., acute pancreatitis) under conditions wherein the severity of pancreatitis is reduced are provided. In some cases, methods and materials administering dabigatran to a mammal suspected of developing pancreatitis (e.g., acute pancreatitis) under conditions wherein the development of pancreatitis is slowed are provided.
