Researchers are conducting a phase I/II clinical trial involving an experimental therapy for urinary incontinence. A total of 60 patients with urinary incontinence will take part in the trial, which some participants receiving the novel drug - called UISH001 - and others receiving a placebo (dummy drug).

The company is being trialled by Beech Tree Labs, which is based in Rhode Island, US.
About 200 million people around the world - including around 13 per cent of women and five per cent of men in the UK - are affected by urinary incontinence, so the drug could have important implications if shown to be effective.
Dr John McMichael, founder and chief executive officer of Beech Tree Labs, revealed: "The incidence of urinary incontinence is increasing as a consequence, in part, of our ageing society. "It represents an unmet medical need since most of the products now available are accompanied by adverse effects for a significant number of patients. This phase-IIa trial is being conducted to determine if UISH001 can meet that need."

A previous small trial of the drug suggested that it may be effective at treating urge, stress and mixed incontinence.