FDA Approves Injectable Gel to Treat Fecal Incontinence

The FDA approves a sterile, injectable gel to treat fecal incontinence in patients for whom other therapies such as diet change, fiber therapy or anti-motility medications failed.

Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of bowel control. It can have different causes including nerve damage, weakened anal sphincter associated with aging, or rectum muscle damage.

The U.S. FDA has approved Solesta, a sterile, injectable gel manufactured by Oceana Therapeutics, to treat fecal incontinence in patients for whom other therapies such as diet change, fiber therapy or anti-motility medications failed.

The Solesta gel is injected into a layer of tissue beneath the anus lining and may help build tissue in that area. By growing the surrounding tissue, the opening of the anus narrows and the patient may be able to better control those muscles.

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