Development of a treatment for voiding dysfunction in spinal cord injured patient

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Loss of voluntary control over bladder and bowel function as a result of spinal cord injury (SCI) has profound impact on the mental and physical health status and quality of life of patients. It is estimated that 270,000 people in the USA have SCI ((https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_figures_docs/.pdf). Urinary retention as a result of SCI is irreversible and can be life threatening. The only available pharmacotherapy consists of cholinergic agonists, whichhave minimal efficacy and severe side effects. Consequently, patients catheterize multiple times daily to empty their bladder. Catheter use is associated with increased incidence of health problems, predominately repeated urinary tract infections, sepsis,isolation, depression and hospitalization. An on demand , safe and effective, pharmaceutical alternative to catheterization would be a life-changing improvement in the daily routine of bladder management for SCI patients, not to mention a significant