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Bladder Drug Shows Promise in Treating Mitochondrial Diseases

9/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Cornell University discovered that oxybutynin, a bladder medication, may also treat mitochondrial diseases.
The drug boosts glycolysis, enabling muscle stem cells to bypass defective mitochondria.
Studies showed oxybutynin enhanced growth and muscle fiber formation in mouse and human cells.
Testing is underway on patient cells at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Mitochondrial diseases affect approximately 1 in 5,000 people, often with severe health consequences and limited treatment options.

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Story summary

Researchers at Cornell University discovered that oxybutynin, a bladder medication, may also treat mitochondrial diseases.
The drug boosts glycolysis, enabling muscle stem cells to bypass defective mitochondria.
Studies showed oxybutynin enhanced growth and muscle fiber formation in mouse and human cells.
Testing is underway on patient cells at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Mitochondrial diseases affect approximately 1 in 5,000 people, often with severe health consequences and limited treatment options.