Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2025
Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection
Published on: August 28, 2020
Current and Emerging Pharmacological Targets and Treatments of Urinary Incontinence and Related Disorders
Martin C Michel1, Linda Cardozo2, Christopher J Chermansky2
1Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany (M.C.M.); Department of Urogynaecology, King's College Hospital, London, UK (L.C.); Department of Urology, Magee Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (C.J.C.); Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Hospital São João and i3S Institute for Innovation and Investigation in Health, Porto, Portugal (F.C.); Department of Urology, Nagano Prefectural Shinshu Medical Center, Suzaka, Japan (Y.I.); Department of Urology Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea (K-S.L.); Guy's Hospital and King's College London, London, UK (A.S.); Dept. of Urology, Perlman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (A.J.W.); Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.J.W.); and Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden (K-E.A.) marmiche@uni-mainz.de.
Abstract:
Overactive bladder syndrome with and without urinary incontinence and related conditions, signs, and disorders such as detrusor overactivity, neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, underactive bladder, stress urinary incontinence, and nocturia are common in the general population and have a major impact on the quality of life of the affected patients and their partners. Based on the deliberations of the subcommittee on pharmacological treatments of the 7th International Consultation on Incontinence, we present a comprehensive review of established drug targets in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome and the aforementioned related conditions and the approved drugs used in its treatment. Investigational drug targets and compounds are also reviewed. We conclude that, despite a range of available medical treatment options, a considerable medical need continues to exist. This is largely because the existing treatments are symptomatic and have limited efficacy and/or tolerability, which leads to poor long-term adherence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Urinary incontinence and related disorders are prevalent in the general population. While many treatments have been approved, few patients stay on long-term treatment despite none of them being curative. This paper provides a comprehensive discussion of existing and emerging treatment options for various types of incontinence and related disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:26The Micturition Reflex
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating...
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
01:19Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
01:26Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management