Urovant Sciences launches educational campaign to help Americans with overactive bladder

A US biotech company focused on innovation in urology has announced the launch of an educational campaign to support people with overactive bladder.

The Time To Go campaign led by Urovant Sciences in partnership with the period and incontinence underwear brand Thinx Inc. aims to highlight the impact of overactive bladder (OAB) and introduce options for managing symptoms of OAB to make people more comfortable leaving their home this travel season.

OAB patients are encouraged to discuss their symptoms with their doctor to determine their best treatment options to help manage the condition.

November is Bladder Health Awareness Month and coincides with the start of the holiday and winter travel season.

In the US, as many as 40 per cent of women are affected by overactive bladder. However, the number may be higher as many feel embarrassed to seek help.

Women who have an overactive bladder may also have a disorder called mixed incontinence, when both urgency and stress incontinence occur.

OAB causes sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control and can result in leakage, as well as frequent urination – usually eight or more times a day – discouraging many to travel too far from home.

The new campaign aims to educate people and help them learn about treatment options for managing OAB while traveling.

“Research shows that OAB can impact people’s willingness to travel, with patients reporting that it keeps them from going on longer trips,” said Walt Johnston, executive vice president of commercial at Urovant Sciences.

“We are excited to team up with Thinx Inc to provide people with OAB information and resources to help them start the conversation with their doctor about managing their OAB symptoms, so they can consider their next adventure.”

In a study of over 200 patients with OAB, several patients reported restricting their travel to short trips and about 76 per cent try to learn where bathrooms are located so they can get to them quickly.

Research has also shown that many people with symptoms of OAB often delay seeking help from their doctors because they may be embarrassed to discuss their symptoms.

Meghan Davis, Thinx, Inc CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Urovant Sciences on the Time To Go campaign to get people talking about OAB to help reduce the stigma around the condition, and give people options to manage their OAB symptoms, including comfortable leak protection.”