NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Development of a new drug to help control bowel and bladder function

Official title: Preclinical and Early Clinical Development of a Novel Drug for On-Demand Voiding

Funded at Dignify Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-11074628 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new drug called DTI-117 that hopes to help people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or stroke regain control over their bowel and bladder functions, making it easier for them to manage incontinence and retention issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDignify Therapeutics, LLC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2023
Project endFebruary 28, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$976,908
NIH project number5U44NS129628-03
Project IDNIH-11074628 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates include individuals with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spina bifida, stroke, or age-related complications affecting bowel and bladder function.

Less likely to help

Patients without bowel or bladder control issues or those not affected by the specified conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel drug that aims to restore voluntary control over bowel and bladder functions for patients suffering from conditions like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The drug, known as DTI-117, is designed to work quickly, inducing voiding within minutes. The research involves preclinical studies and aims to file for an Investigational New Drug Application, eventually leading to early clinical trials. Patients may benefit from a more effective management of incontinence and retention issues.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a rapid and effective treatment option for bowel and bladder control.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting neurokinin receptors for bowel and bladder control, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Dignify Therapeutics, LLC
    Research Triangle Park, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Burgard, Edward — Dignify Therapeutics, LLC
  • Study coordinator: Burgard, Edward

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • On-demand drug to restore bladder and bowel control

    A new drug-based approach aims to quickly restore voluntary voiding in people with spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and related conditions who struggle with urinary and fecal incontinence.

    NIH research Dignify Therapeutics, LLC · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-11593930

  • On-demand fast-acting drug to trigger bladder and bowel emptying

    A fast-acting medicine for people with nerve-related loss of bladder or bowel control that could trigger quick, short episodes of urination or defecation when needed.

    NIH research Dignify Therapeutics, LLC · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-11299473

  • Long-lasting bladder treatment for urinary leaks and urgency in older adults

    This project is creating bladder-instilled medicines that aim to give months of relief from urinary leaks and urgent urges in older adults who haven't been helped by current treatments.

    NIH research Dignify Therapeutics, LLC · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-11182543

  • Treatment for fecal incontinence and urgency

    This study is looking at new ways to help people with fecal incontinence and urgency, especially older adults and those with neurological issues, by exploring how certain nerves in the colon work and how blocking them might make things better, giving participants a chance to help create better treatments for everyday l

    NIH research Dignify Therapeutics, LLC · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-10919294

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.