Incontinence is one of the most embarrassing medical problems facing men and women today. Many patients are left humiliated and depressed because of the daily disruptions caused by urinary or fecal incontinence. Vermont company AugmentRx is developing incontinence solutions for the 200 million-plus people worldwide who suffer from this debilitating condition. Typical incontinence treatments involve installation of a sling to move the bladder back into position, or the injection a tissue-bulking agent into the tissues around the bladder neck and urethra to reduce the bladder opening. Tissue-bulking materials have a tendency to migrate, and the body eliminates them over time, requiring repeat injections. AugmentRx’s product is designed to be non-migratory and biologically inert. Their bioceramic SOLVE Injectable composite is comprised of the same material used in hip implants, mixed with a gel carrier. The injection procedure can be completed in five to ten minutes while the patient is under local anesthesia, eliminating the need for surgery and reducing patient costs. AugmentRx is currently seeking capital to conduct large animal testing.
Related video: Stuart Smyth, President and CEO of AugmentRx: