Akyva first-in-human bladder wall stimulation for underactive bladder

A First-in-Human, Open-Label, Multicenter Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of an Implantable Device for Direct Bladder Wall Stimulation in Participants With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms of Underactive Bladder

This test uses the Akyva System’s direct bladder-wall stimulation to see if adults with underactive bladder who currently catheterize can urinate more naturally and reduce leftover urine.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 15 (estimated)
• Ages: 22 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Iota Biosciences, Inc (industry)
• Drugs / interventions: radiation
• Locations: 2 sites (Wahroonga, New South Wales and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06956209 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a first-in-human interventional study of the Akyva System, a device that delivers direct stimulation to the bladder wall. The primary focus is on safety and identifying possible side effects, with secondary observations of whether the device reduces the need for clean intermittent catheterization and lowers post-void residual volume. Eligible participants are adults (≥22 years) with underactive bladder who perform catheterization at least three times per day and have PVR ≥300 mL. The device will be implanted and outcomes tracked at clinical follow-up visits at the sponsor sites.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 22 or older with underactive bladder who perform clean intermittent catheterization ≥3 times per day and have a post-void residual volume of 300 mL or more.

Not a fit: People who can void normally, have low post-void residual volumes, do not catheterize regularly, or cannot undergo device implantation are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the device could reduce or eliminate the need for frequent catheterization and lower residual urine, improving daily comfort and potentially lowering infection risk.

How similar studies have performed: This is a first-in-human test of the Akyva device; while other neuromodulation therapies such as sacral neuromodulation have helped some patients with urinary retention, direct bladder-wall stimulation with this device is novel and untested in humans.

Eligibility criteria

List of Eligibility Criteria apply to both Non-neurogenic and Neurogenic underactive bladder study participants unless otherwise noted.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Are male or female, as assigned at birth, aged ≥ 22 years of age.
* Presents lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms that have been ongoing for at least the past 90 days prior to consent.
* Is currently performing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) for urinary retention at a rate of ≥3 catheterizations per day, as reflected in a 3-day self-catheterization record taken within 180 days prior to consent or a 7-day self-catheterization record collected between day of consent and before the implant procedure.
* Have a post-void residual (PVR) volume ≥ 300 mL as evaluated at least twice within 180 days prior to screening or during screening. NOTE: Individuals unable to void any volume without catheter assistance, i.e. complete retention, are considered to have a PVR equivalent to pre-catheterization volume.
* Have prior history of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) with at least two episodes of infection in the past 180 days or currently managing recurrent UTIs with antibiotic medication (e.g. Hiprex).
* Urodynamic measurements consistent with detrusor underactivity. NOTE: Urodynamics performed within the last 365 days prior to consent are acceptable. (1) Bladder contractility index (BCI) \< 100 (in Males) (2) Qmax \< 15 mL/s and PdetQmax \< 20 cmH2O (in Males or Females).
* Are medically fit to withstand abdominal-pelvic surgery under general anesthesia, as evaluated by standard-of-care pre-operative surgical clearance.
* Females of childbearing potential must agree to the use of contraception for the duration of the study
* Are able to understand the risks associated with the study, are willing and able to provide written informed consent prior to any study-related activity, willing and capable of participating in all follow up assessments and willing to undergo all study assessments as described at an approved clinical investigator site.
* Neurogenic Only: Chronic spinal cord injury (\>= 6 months post-injury) with sacral/infrascaral (L1 or below) lesions, or mixed lesions associated with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have or are scheduled for implant of any active implantable medical device (e.g., pacemaker or intrathecal or infusion pump) or have metallic implants/fragments in the abdomen or pelvis (e.g., piercings or hip replacement). Individuals with fully explanted sacral neuromodulation (SNM) or other implantable medical devices may participate. Individuals with implanted and inactive SNM devices may participate.
* Have a documented allergy to tissue contacting Akyva System materials: tecothane, titanium, silicone, epoxy, stainless steel, nickel/cobalt/chromium/molybdenum, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), platinum, iridium, polymethylpentene (TPX), polycarbonate, polyester.
* In the opinion of the Investigator(s), participants who need or are likely to need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of their routine care for the duration of the study. If MRI is clinically indicated, during or after the study, explant of the Akyva System may be required
* Have hypersensitivity reaction (Types I-IV) to iodine-containing radiographic contrast dyes, or any documented prior severe allergy resulting in anaphylaxis/intubation.
* Have active infection requiring treatment with antibiotics at Screening, unless cleared before Akyva System Surgical Implant (Visit 2).
* Have any history of prior major pelvic or abdominal surgery that would, in the opinion of the Surgical Co-Investigator, increase the risk of injury to abdominal or pelvic organs during the implant procedure.
* Have any history of genitourinary reconstruction surgery or is considering genitourinary reconstruction surgery within the next 24 months.
* Have a significant clinical finding that would, in the opinion of the Surgical Co-Investigator, increase the risk associated with the implant procedure (e.g. ascites, severe inflammatory disease, bleeding or clotting disorder, other interfering devices etc.).
* Have suboptimally controlled Type I or Type II diabetes, as defined by an HbA1C ≥ 7.0%. NOTE: HbA1C results reported within the last 60 days prior to consent are acceptable.
* Have documented renal dysfunction, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 50 mL/min/1.73 m² or evidence of hydronephrosis on renal ultrasound or CT urogram. NOTE: Renal function panel and renal ultrasound or CT urograms performed within the last 365 days prior to consent are acceptable.
* Have any history of dialysis or kidney transplant.
* Have a history of kidney or bladder stones within the last 5 years.
* Have any history of bladder cancer.
* Have any history of pelvic cancer diagnosis (e.g. uterine, ovarian, rectal), unless disease-free for ≥ 2 years measured from the day of consent.
* Have any history of radiation cystitis.
* Have locally advanced malignancy or metastatic disease within the past five (5) years from the day of consent, with the exception of adequately treated or cured malignancy with no evidence of disease.
* Non-Neurogenic only: Have had botulinum toxin injection in the bladder or pelvic floor in the past 6 months measured from the day of consent.
* Have any history of major bladder reconstructive surgeries.
* Have a bladder compliance \< 20 mL/cmH2O measured during urodynamic study. NOTE: Urodynamic performed within the last 365 days prior to consent are acceptable.
* Non-Neurogenic only: Have a current underlying diagnosis of neurogenic bladder.
* Have any history of an overactive bladder or LUT symptoms suggestive of an overactive bladder.
* Non-neurogenic only: Have an iatrogenic cause of UAB symptoms in the opinion of the PI.
* Currently using an indwelling (e.g. Foley) catheter for bladder emptying, with an exception for nighttime-only use.
* Currently using suprapubic catheters, unless the suprapubic catheter is removed at least 30 days prior to implant
* Females who have had any prior abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedure for pelvic organ prolapse.
* Males with history of elevated PSA or prostate cancer undergoing further evaluation or treatment.
* Participants who are unable to discontinue anticoagulant therapy for the implant procedure.
* Females of childbearing potential who are pregnant, not using medical birth control or who are planning to become pregnant during the anticipated study period.
* Predicted life expectancy of less than one year from the day of consent.
* Have any history of diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to bladder neck stenosis, BPH or urethral stricture disease. Participants with prior surgical treatment of BPH with no clinical evidence of obstruction and do not require routine MRI may be included
* Any condition that, in the Investigator's opinion, would preclude participation in the study (e.g., have a medical condition that may interfere with interpretation of study results, inability to adhere to the visit schedule, poor cognitive abilities, poor compliance with treatment regimen, or poor dexterity to use the system etc.).
* Previously (within 5.5x the terminal half-life (drug trial) or 8 weeks (device trial) of the screening visit) or currently enrolled in another investigational drug or device trial.
* Vulnerable persons such as prisoners, mentally-disabled or cognitively impaired, homeless or economically disadvantaged, nursing home patients, or others requiring legally authorized representatives.
* Participants that work in an environment with exposures to high levels of electromagnetic interference such as working with high powered electrical equipment.
* Neurogenic Only: Have any history of sphincterotomies
* Neurogenic Only: Have untreated overactive bladder

Where this trial is running

Wahroonga, New South Wales and 1 other locations

• Sydney Adventist Hospital — Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Princess Alexandra Hospital — Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Akyva Study Team

Conditions: Underactive Bladder