Testing a new therapy to help bladder function after spinal cord injury
Official title: Feasibility Testing of a Novel Combination Therapy To Improve Genitourinary Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in a Rat Model
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11072121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help improve bladder function after spinal cord injuries by using a combination of special cell treatments and magnetic stimulation, which could lead to better recovery and quality of life for people with these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004881-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and suffer from bladder dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries who do not experience bladder dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to improve bladder function recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) using a rat model. The study aims to combine neural progenitor cell grafts with trans-spinal magnetic stimulation to enhance neuroprotection and promote functional recovery. By focusing on the often-overlooked autonomic functions affected by SCI, the research seeks to address significant quality of life issues for individuals with such injuries. The findings could pave the way for new therapeutic interventions that may eventually benefit human patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved bladder function and overall quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach is novel, previous research has shown promise in using regenerative medicine and neuromodulation for recovery in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
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VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajasekaran, Mahadevan Raj — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Rajasekaran, Mahadevan Raj
Related research
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A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
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A patient-focused project aims to translate how brain signals control movement after spinal cord injury into new treatments that improve muscle function and reduce spasticity.
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A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
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Predicting and Preventing Chronic Aspiration After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
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.