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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dignify Therapeutics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $976,908 |
| NIH project number | 5U44NS129628-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.