Actively Recruiting
Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Vulvovaginal Tissue Regeneration
Led by Cassandra Kisby · Updated on 2026-04-24
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
108 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Cassandra Kisby
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition characterized by descent of vaginal walls, uterus and cervix, or the perineum and causes a sensation of vaginal bulge and pelvic pressure. Millions of women in the United States are affected, and the number is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Current treatments either involve conservative measures or surgery. Surgery may lead to changes in vaginal topography and scar tissue, both of which impact sexual function. There are no treatment options that restore vaginal tissue strength and preserve, even optimize, sensation and blood flow to the vagina. This project will evaluate the use of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), an FDA-approved biostimulant for dermatologic use with an expansive safety profile over the past decade, in the treatment of anterior wall POP and its impact on sexual function. Our study will compare intravaginal injection of PLLA vs. placebo in women with stage 2 cystocele and investigate safety and preliminary efficacy of PLLA. Prior study of regenerative biologics for the vulva and vagina have shown great promise, but use of these has not been explored for POP. This randomized controlled trial has the potential to shift the paradigm of prolapse management from surgical reconstruction to regeneration. This shift will prevent the risks of surgery and has the potential to improve sexual function and quality of life by resolving POP.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Vulvovaginal Tissue Regeneration
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age > 21
- Stage II pelvic organ prolapse of anterior vaginal wall (Ba 65 -1)
- Symptomatic bulge symptoms with positive response to PFDI-20 question about vaginal bulge and some degree of bother
- Abstinent, on contraception, or postmenopausal at time of injection
- Ability to read or understand English
You will not qualify if you...
- Concurrent apical or posterior prolapse greater than stage 1
- Prior pelvic radiation
- Previous vaginal reconstructive surgery except total vaginal hysterectomy or sling
- History of chronic vaginal infections such as sexually transmitted infection or bacterial vaginosis
- Prior vaginal laser treatment within 6 months
- Planned vaginal laser or topical treatment
- History of hypertrophic reaction to vicryl (polyglactin-910)
- Allergy to Sculptra aesthetic or its components (PLLA, carboxymethylcellulose, non-pyrogenic mannitol)
- Allergy to silicone
- Premenopausal without contraception or abstinence during treatment phase
- Currently breastfeeding
- Connective tissue disorder
- Uncontrolled diabetes defined as HbA1c > 8
- Unable to read or understand English
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Physical limitations preventing required pelvic wand massage sessions after injections
- Prescription anticoagulation therapy that cannot be safely stopped (aspirin and anti-platelet therapies allowed)
- Current use of other prolapse treatments such as pessary if unwilling to discontinue during study
- Planning to start pelvic floor physical therapy during the study
- Undergoing physical therapy and unwilling to stop internal therapy for 2 weeks after injection or biopsy
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Duke Urogynecology, Patterson Place
Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27710
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Cassandra Kisby, MD MS FACOG FACS
CONTACT
D
Duke Urogynecology Clinical Research Coordinators
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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