National Vulvodynia Association

In early March, the NVA executive board funded two new studies to accelerate the development of new vulvodynia treatments. The award recipients are Erin Carey, M.D., associate professor of ob/gyn, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and Elena Tonc, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, Hamilton College in New York.

Dr. Carey’s research will advance two complementary technologies: (i) a biodissolvable film with vulvar applicator and (ii) a live human tissue model of the vulvar vestibule. The purpose of the biodissolvable film and applicator is to improve delivery of topical treatment to the vulvar vestibule. The development of a live human tissue model of the vulvar vestibule will enable researchers to test new therapies faster. Many researchers initially use mice to test a new treatment, but it’s unknown whether their findings can be replicated in humans. With a live human tissue model, we can eliminate animal studies and know whether we should test a treatment in women with vestibulodynia.

Prior research suggests that repeated exposure to certain chemicals can trigger changes in the immune system and lead to chronic vulvar pain. Dr. Tonc has shown that mice exposed to methylisothiazolinone (MI), a preservative in some personal care products, exhibit long-lasting sensitivity in the genital area. Her preliminary data also show an increase in pain-sensing neurons in the lumbar region of the spinal cord.

Dr. Tonc’s NVA-funded study will examine mice that have been exposed to MI to determine whether neuroinflammatory changes in the peripheral tissue (vulva) and central nervous system (spinal cord) are permanent. She will also determine how the immune system contributes to these changes, by identifying the specific molecules, cells and processes involved. Her goal is to discover new therapeutic targets for vulvodynia.