Exploring allergy-based triggers to prevent UCPPS flare-ups
Official title: Exploring lgE antibodies for urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome flare trigger identification and prevention
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11445166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly study will look at whether allergy-related antibodies can help predict and prevent flare-ups in people with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $251,502 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203292-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome experiencing bladder or pelvic pain and flare patterns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without UCPPS or without flare issues may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project focuses on people with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome, a condition with bladder and pelvic pain and variable flares. Researchers will study allergen-specific IgE antibodies to see if they correlate with symptom flares and could guide personalized prevention strategies. The study uses existing clinical data and samples to identify potential flare triggers and test ideas for tailored management. If successful, findings could lead to new ways to predict and reduce painful episodes without invasive treatments. Results will be shared with patients and clinicians to inform future care choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict and prevent flares in UCPPS using allergy-related markers, improving daily comfort and reducing painful episodes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational and mechanistic studies suggest a link between immune factors and flare activity, but this approach is exploratory and builds on limited direct human data.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sutcliffe, Siobhan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sutcliffe, Siobhan
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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.