Finding new ways to treat persistent bladder pain
Official title: Spinal targets to treat persistent bladder pain
Funded at VA Medical Center - Lexington, Ky · NIH-10923182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help veterans and others who suffer from painful bladder conditions by exploring how certain parts of the spinal cord can help reduce their pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Medical Center - Lexington, Ky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006646-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome, particularly veterans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bladder pain resulting from identifiable infections or injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a painful condition that significantly impacts the quality of life for many individuals, particularly veterans. The study aims to identify new spinal targets that can help modulate persistent bladder pain using a rodent model that mimics the human condition. By investigating specific receptors and proteins in the spinal cord, the researchers hope to uncover novel therapeutic approaches that do not rely on traditional treatments. The ultimate goal is to improve pain management for patients suffering from this debilitating syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly alleviate persistent bladder pain for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting spinal mechanisms for bladder pain is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in other pain management contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Medical Center - Lexington, Ky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vera, Pedro L — VA Medical Center - Lexington, Ky
- Study coordinator: Vera, Pedro L
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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.