Intravesical agent shows some promise in treating IC

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada-Intravesical hyaluronic acid (Cystistat) appears to be a simple, quick therapy for reducing pain, frequency, and nocturia in patients with interstitial cystitis, according to Austrian and Canadian researchers. The agent may also improve radiation-induced cystitis and reduce bacterial cystitis recurrences in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, said Marc Riviere, MD, senior vice president at Belleville, Ontario-based Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., who presented a series of pilot studies at the Canadian Urological Association annual meeting.