On-demand fast-acting drug to trigger bladder and bowel emptying
Official title: Preclinical and Early Clinical Development of a Novel Drug for On-Demand Voiding
Funded at Dignify Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-11299473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $199,520 |
| NIH project number | 5U44NS129628-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with loss of voluntary bladder or bowel control from conditions such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spina bifida, stroke, diabetes, or age-related decline who are seeking on-demand voiding options.
✕Less likely to help
People whose incontinence is due to structural blockages, severe bowel obstruction, uncontrolled infection, or who have medical contraindications to NK2R agonists may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This program is developing DTI-117, a drug designed to produce rapid (<5 min) and short-lived (<10 min) bladder and colorectal contractions to restore on-demand voiding for people with neurogenic or age-related loss of control. Preclinical work includes lab and animal studies and tests on human tissue showing that activating neurokinin 2 receptors causes forceful bladder and colon contractions. The plan is to complete preclinical safety work, file an IND, and carry out a Phase I clinical trial to test safety and initial effects in people. Early human testing will determine whether the drug can be given by practical routes (for example intramuscular, sublingual, intranasal) and produce reliable short-term voiding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could allow people with impaired bladder or bowel control to trigger rapid, temporary emptying on demand and reduce accidents or dependence on catheters.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in animals and human tissues have shown NK2R agonists can produce strong bladder and colon contractions, but human clinical benefit has not yet been established and Phase I testing is just beginning.
Where this research is happening
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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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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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Development of a new drug to help control bowel and bladder function
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.
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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.