Treatment for fecal incontinence and urgency
Official title: Therapy for Fecal Incontinence and FecalUrgency
Funded at Dignify Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-10919294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dignify Therapeutics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $391,458 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DK138600-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals, nursing home residents, women who have experienced anal damage during childbirth, and patients with neurological conditions such as spinal injuries or multiple sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fecal incontinence or urgency due to non-neurological causes or those who do not meet the specific criteria for participation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates new therapeutic approaches for fecal incontinence and fecal urgency, conditions that significantly affect the quality of life for many individuals, particularly the elderly and those with neurological disorders. The study aims to explore the role of specific colorectal nerve terminals in these conditions and how inhibiting them may alleviate symptoms. By focusing on the underlying mechanisms, the research seeks to provide a more effective treatment option beyond current management strategies, which often rely on adult diapers and symptom management. Patients participating in this research may have the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative therapies that could improve their daily lives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for fecal incontinence and urgency, significantly improving the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in this area, the specific approach of targeting colorectal afferent terminals for treating fecal incontinence and urgency is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Dignify Therapeutics, LLC
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thor, Karl B — Dignify Therapeutics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Thor, Karl B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding fecal incontinence and how a novel stool-like device could help diagnose and guide therapy
A study is testing a new, stool-like device to better understand why some people lose stool control and how biofeedback-based therapy could help.
-
Understanding and Treating Fecal Incontinence with a New Device
This work explores new ways to understand and treat fecal incontinence, a common condition, using a special electronic device called Fecobionics.
-
Active vs. Passive Anal Sphincter Training in Fecal Incontinence
This home-based trial tests whether adding active sphincter contractions to electrical stimulation helps adults with fecal incontinence more than stimulation alone.
-
Beta-glucan cream added to standard skin care for IAD in hospitalized adults
This study tests whether adding a 0.5% beta-glucan moisturizing cream to usual skin care helps adults with incontinence-associated dermatitis heal faster and feel better.
-
R20 Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence: Post‑Market Follow‑Up
This registry test checks how well the Axonics R20 rechargeable device works for adults with fecal incontinence after it’s on the market.
-
High-intensity electromagnetic stimulation for bowel control after J-pouch surgery
Aims to see if the Emsella chair can help people with a J pouch who have fecal incontinence after ulcerative colitis surgery.
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.