Researchers used organoid and differentiated bladder cell models to show that OM-89 (Uro-Vaxom), long used to help prevent recurrent UTIs, also works directly on bladder epithelial degradation pathways. The PLOS Pathogens study reports that OM-89 increases lysosomal acidification and lysosomal enzyme activity, and that blocking lysosomal acidification removes the protective effect. The work suggests OM-89 enhances clearance of intracellular E. coli and increases antibiotic uptake into bladder epithelial cells, aligning with the biology of recurrent infection—where bacteria can hide inside cells and regrow after treatment. If confirmed in broader translational work, the findings support a dual mechanism model for OM-89 and could influence how clinicians think about prevention alongside antibiotic strategies.