Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects a significant number of individuals, especially women. Our company is a leader in the development of autoimmune disease therapeutics, dedicated to providing one-stop interstitial cystitis (IC) drug and therapy development solutions.
Introduction to Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC), or painful bladder syndrome, is a complex disorder characterized by chronic bladder pain and urinary symptoms. It is different from urinary tract infections as there is an absence of underlying infection, and antibiotic therapy is not beneficial. Interstitial cystitis may result from a defect in the protective glycosaminoglycan layer that lines the epithelium of the bladder. This defect increases bladder permeability, allowing irritating substances in the urine, such as allergens, chemicals, drugs, toxins, potassium, and bacteria, to enter the bladder and trigger inflammation and pain. Mast cells, which play a role in immune and inflammatory responses, are also implicated in interstitial cystitis. The release of mast cell contents can further contribute to bladder mucosal damage and pain.
Fig.1 Immunogenic and angiogenic pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). (Ueda T., et al., 2021)
Therapeutics Development for Interstitial Cystitis
Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of interstitial cystitis, no single drug or therapy has proven universally effective in treating all cases. However, several pharmacologic therapeutics have been explored with varying degrees of success. These include:
| Targets | Drugs | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mucosal Surface Protection | Pentosan Polysulfate, Heparin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Chondroitin Sulfate | These agents have been used to enhance the permeability barrier of the bladder, providing mucosal surface protection. | Approved |
| Mast Cell/Histamine Inhibition | Pentosan Polysulfate and Heparin | Antihistamines can inhibit histamine release from mast cells, reducing inflammation and symptoms. | Approved |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants | Amitriptyline | Amitriptyline have been used to alleviate pain and improve sleep quality in IC cases. | Approved |
| Nerve | Botulinum Toxin | Injections of botulinum toxin into the bladder have shown promise in reducing bladder pain and frequency in IC cases. | Approved |
Our Services
As a leading company specializing in drug and therapy development for autoimmune diseases, we are committed to advancing the field of interstitial cystitis therapeutics. Our comprehensive interstitial cystitis therapy development services encompass various stages of the development process.
We have an experienced team of scientists and researchers dedicated to developing robust animal models and in vitro models of interstitial cystitis. These models play a crucial role in understanding the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis and evaluating potential therapeutics. Through meticulous research and validation, we ensure the reliability and reproducibility of our models, enabling us to make meaningful advancements in interstitial cystitis therapy development.
Urothelial Permeability Models
Urothelial permeability plays a crucial role in IC/BPS pathophysiology. Through intravesical administration of irritants like protamine sulfate, acrolein, or hydrochloric acid, we induce alterations in the urothelial barrier function, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic interventions.
Bladder Inflammation Models
By intravesical instillation of irritants such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cyclophosphamide, or resiniferatoxin (RTX), we induce bladder inflammation in animal models. These models contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying bladder inflammation and aid in the development of anti-inflammatory therapies.
Psychological Stress Models
Our company offers Psychological Stress Models to investigate the intricate relationship between stress and the development or exacerbation of IC/BPS symptoms. By subjecting animals to various stressors like restraint stress or unpredictable stress, we simulate stress-induced symptomatology.
Autoimmune Models
Our autoimmune models focus on immune-mediated bladder inflammation and autoantibody production. Through methods such as immunization with bladder proteins or peptides, we induce autoimmune responses in animal models.
Central Sensitization Models
Our central sensitization models aim to replicate the hypersensitivity to bladder distension or nociceptive stimuli observed in IC/BPS cases. By inducing central sensitization, we uncover the mechanisms underlying pain amplification and contribute to the development of pain management strategies.
In Vitro Models
We provide cell-based models of bladder epithelial cells, urothelial cells, and immune cells, as well as bladder-related organoid model development services, and can simulate the interactions between various cell types involved in the pathogenesis of IC/BPS.
Our preclinical research services focus on investigating novel therapeutic approaches for interstitial cystitis. We conduct in-depth studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential drug candidates, utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models. If our comprehensive suite of services has sparked your interest, we wholeheartedly encourage you to connect with us without any hesitation.
Reference
- Ueda Tomohiro, et al. "Current understanding and future perspectives of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome." International Neurourology Journal 25.2 (2021): 99.