In September Elmiron receives the FDA's approval. It is the first oral medication specifically for IC to be approved by the FDA. ICA President Dr. Vicki Ratner, Dr. Robert Moldwin, and ICA Spokesperson Terry-Jo Myers headline a national press conference in New York City to announce Elmiron's approval.

The ICA's Executive Director Debra Slade meets with the National IC Database Committee in Bethesda, Maryland to review the study's progress. Analysis of the IC Database results begin to be studied.

LPGA Tour Player and ICA National Spokesperson Terry-Jo Myers, along with ICA Executive Director Debra Slade, testify before Congress in support of continued appropriations for IC research.

The ICA successfully encourages the FDA to rescind their previous decision to limit the distribution of Cystistat, a new IC drug manufactured by Bioniche Laboratories of Canada. The ICA also helps to initiate discussions between Bioniche and researchers to plan further US clinical trials of the drug

The ICA's World Wide Web site is developed and implemented.

The ICA sets up information booths at the AUA (American Urological Association) and the SUNA (Society of Urological Nurses Association) conferences, both held in Orlando, FL. IC is a featured topic at numerous AUA presentations this year.

The ICA designs and distributes the Restroom Access Card to all IC patients on the ICA mailing list.

The ICA Physician Registry is established. The registry will contain a national listing of Board Certified Urologists who have indicated their interest in working with IC and IC patients. The list is made available to all ICA contributors.

As part of an ongoing physician education program, a copy of the ICA produced video, "A Rational Approach to the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of IC" is made available to Board Certified Urologists, free of charge, throughout the country.

The ICA's first Volunteer Advisory Committee is formed to address concerns involving State Coordinators and Support Group Leaders. The committee develops a manual for Support Group Leaders.

Seventeen Pilot Research Project Proposals are received this year, many of which the ICA was able to fund. In late fall, a fund-raiser is held in Santa Monica, CA to help fund future Pilot Research Programs.

Redbook, Family Circle, and Better Homes and Gardens feature information on IC and the ICA.