The present method for the treatment of pancreatitis, which comprises administering an effective amount of a pyrazolopyridine compound of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is lower alkyl, (substituted) aryl, or a heterocyclic group,R.sup.2 is a group of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.4 is protected amino or hydroxy and R.sup.5 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; cyano; a group of the formula --A--R.sup.6, wherein R.sup.6 is an acyl group, and A is (halogenated) lower aliphatic hydrocarbon group; amidated carboxy; an unsaturated heterocyclic group; or (protected) amino; andR.sup.3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or halogen; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a human being having pancreatitis or an animal having pancreatitis in need thereof.