A common drug for bladder issues could help treat deadly mitochondrial diseases, according to new Cornell research reported by the Cornell Chronicle.

DiSanto Propane (Billboard)

Scientists found that oxybutynin, an FDA-approved medication, helps muscle stem cells bypass faulty mitochondria by boosting glycolysis—an alternative way to generate energy. In both mouse and human cells, the drug restored growth and muscle fiber formation.

The findings are already being tested on patient cells at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, potentially fast-tracking the drug for clinical use.

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