• LP-20 contrast agent designed to diagnose interstitial cystitis and detect bladder cancer
• Novel MRI contrast agent, which received support from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• 5^th International Consultation on Interstitial Cystitis Japan runs Aug. 21-23 in Kyoto

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lipella Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: LIPO), a clinical-stage biotech company, will highlight clinical data on LP-20, a novel MRI contrast agent designed for diagnosing interstitial cystitis and detecting bladder cancer at the 5th International Consultation on Interstitial Cystitis Japan (ICICJ) in Kyoto, Japan, taking place August 21-23, 2024.

LP-20, which has completed preclinical and proof-of-concept human trials, is administered via catheter into the bladder. It uses advanced MRI technology to identify bladder permeability defects, aiding in the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and the detection of bladder cancer progression to muscle invasive bladder cancer. Funded, in part by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), LP-20 shows promise as a rapid and cost-effective diagnostic solution for these conditions.

Dr. Michael Chancellor, Chief Medical Officer at Lipella, commented, “The use of MRI to measure bladder permeability defects offers a potential breakthrough in diagnosing IC/BPS and bladder cancer. This innovative imaging technique addresses significant unmet needs in urology and could greatly enhance patient care. We look forward to sharing our findings with the international scientific community as we continue to develop needed therapeutics for serious diseases.”

Professor Pradeep Tyagi from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center added, “LP-20 provides a valuable tool for phenotyping IC/BPS, potentially streamlining patient identification for clinical trials and improving timely access to effective treatments.”

Convening international leaders in the field of interstitial cystitis, the 5th International Consultation on Interstitial Cystitis Japan will feature special lectures and workshops on pelvic pathology, and the proceedings will be published in a special issue of “The International Journal of Urology,” the official English journal of the Japanese Urological Association.

About LP-20

LP-20 is a dual-component MRI contrast agent designed to identify bladder permeability defects. Administered via catheter, it generates detailed MRI images to diagnose IC/BPS and monitor bladder cancer progression. It represents a significant advancement in bladder diagnostics, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.

About Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) and Bladder Cancer

IC/BPS is a challenging condition often diagnosed by exclusion. Current diagnostic methods, including cystoscopy, are limited in differentiating IC/BPS from pelvic floor dysfunction. A new diagnostic tool for bladder permeability could expedite diagnosis and reduce patient suffering. Bladder cancer diagnosis, particularly for muscle invasive bladder cancer, traditionally relies on invasive procedures like cystoscopy and biopsy. LP-20 aims to complement existing methods with a non-invasive, early-detection imaging technique.

ABOUT LIPELLA PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

Lipella is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing new drugs by reformulating the active agents in existing generic drugs and optimizing these reformulations for new applications. Additionally, Lipella maintains a therapeutic focus on diseases with significant, unaddressed morbidity and mortality where no approved drug therapy currently exists. Lipella completed its initial public offering in December 2022, trading on Nasdaq under the ticker LIPO. For more information, please visit www.lipella.com or LinkedIn.

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CONTACT
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