Below you will find news and press releases from industry, government, and academia regarding product developments and medical/scientific research news.
New Research Takes P*** Out of Incontinence
Millions of people might eventually be spared the embarrassment and extreme isolation caused by wetting themselves, thanks to new research. One in every five people has a lower urinary tract disorder called overactive bladder which, for some, means not being able to hold in urine, needing to go to the toilet often, or waking in the night to empty their bladder. Some wear sanitary towels or disposable underwear, while others worry that even with absorbent underwear, they’ll smell of urine, so they choose instead to stay at home. Now, scientists at the University of Portsmouth have identified chemicals in urine that are specific to overactive bladder. The next step is to develop a gadget similar to a pregnancy test, to see if these chemical markers are present. Such a device is 12-24 months from clinical trials, but the early signs are encouraging. Read more.
Source: EurekAlert,, February 20, 2020
Incontinence in MS Affects Walking Ability, Negatively Impacts Patients’ Quality of Life, Study Finds
Urinary incontinence, associated with poor functioning of the muscles in the pelvic area, was found to have a negative impact on daily activities like walking and overall quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a study shows. Adding pelvic floor muscle training to an MS treatment program may help to improve overall function, the researchers suggest, which could improve patient performance of daily life activities, especially in those with moderate or severe dependence on others. The study, “Pelvic floor dysfunction negatively impacts general functional performance in patients with multiple sclerosis,” was published in the journal Neurology and Urodynamics. Read more.
Source: Multiple Sclerosis News Today, February 18, 2020
Atlantic Therapeutics Announces FDA Clearance for Over-the-Counter Use of INNOVO®
Atlantic Therapeutics today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted over-the-counter (OTC) clearance to INNOVO®, a non-invasive, clinically proven and wearable device that treats the root cause of bladder weakness, known clinically as stress urinary incontinence (SUI). INNOVO® was previously available in the U.S. by prescription, with more than 3.5 million safe and successful therapy sessions delivered worldwide. Read more.
Source: Yahoo! Finance, February 6, 2020
Contura Nabs FDA Nod for Female Incontinence Device
Contura has earned FDA approval for an injectable hydrogel [Bulkamid] to treat stress urinary incontinence in women, according to a premarket approval order posted by the agency Monday. The permanently implanted device acts as a scaffold for cells to grow through, supporting the closing mechanism of the urethra for better control of urine. Approval of the Bulkamid implant was based on a study of 228 women that showed 75% of those who got the device reported dryness or improvement in their symptoms. Read more.
Source: MedTechDive, February 4, 2020
InterStim Micro Neurostimulator and SureScan MRI Leads Cleared in Europe for Incontinence Control
Medtronic won EU regulatory clearance to introduce its InterStim Micro neurostimulator and InterStim SureScan MRI leads. The devices are used to deliver sacral neuromodulation therapy to treat overactive bladder (OAB), fecal incontinence, and non-obstructive urinary retention. The InterStim Micro is a much tinier version of Medtronic’s InterStim II neuromodulator, as it is 80% smaller, but it is a rechargeable device with an expected longevity of about 15 years. This is made possible partially thanks to so-called Overdrive technology that lets the battery maintain almost its full capacity to recharge throughout its working life. Read more.
Source: Medgadget, January 13, 2020
Smartphone Camera Test for Urinary Tract Infections
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a simple point-of-care test for urinary tract infections that uses a smartphone camera. The system can rapidly detect the presence of E. coli in urine samples and could guide doctors in their decision to prescribe antibiotics, ensuring appropriate patient care and avoiding the overuse of antimicrobial medication. It can sometimes be difficult for clinicians to know whether to prescribe antibiotics. Unnecessary use of antibiotics is resulting in antimicrobial resistance, which will pose significant challenges to healthcare in the coming years. However, if a patient has an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), then antibiotics are undoubtedly warranted, but it can sometimes be difficult for a clinician to know for sure if a patient’s symptoms are caused by an infection. Read more.
Source: Medgadget, January 9, 2020
Bioness StimRouter Cleared in Europe to Treat Fecal Incontinence
Bioness, a Valencia, California firm, won European regulatory approval for its StimRouter neuromodulation system to treat fecal incontinence. Previously cleared in the EU as a tool for managing chronic pain and overactive bladder, the new indication significantly expands the stated capabilities of this novel neuromodulation system. For the management of fecal incontinence, the StimRouter system targets the tibial nerve near the ankle. This is achieved thanks to a tiny implant and an external pulse transmitter patch that’s stuck to the skin over where the electronic lead implant is positioned. The entire outpatient procedure takes about thirty minutes to complete and relies on local anesthesia. Read more.
Source: Medgadget, January 8, 2020