Project description
A new treatment for endometriosis targets the cause and not the symptoms
The endometrium, the innermost lining of the uterus, plays a starring role in the menstrual cycle, implantation of the embryo and development of the placenta. Globally, about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis, an often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus. The tissue acts much like the endometrium, thickening, breaking down and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. However, unlike the endometrium, this tissue has nowhere to go and can irritate surrounding tissue, eventually forming scars and adhesions, resulting in pain and/or infertility. Diagnosis is often delayed; treatment ameliorates symptoms but there is no cure. The EU-funded EndoSolve project is developing a pioneering medical device targeting the mechanisms of development that promises a long-term solution for millions of women.
Objective
Endometriosis is one of the most prevalent, impactful and undertreated disorders to affect European women. The condition is defined as an estrogen-dependent disorder, where endometrial tissue forms lesions outside the uterus resulting in chronic pain and infertility. Endometriosis affects an estimated 10% of European women in the reproductive-age group (176 million women worldwide and 10.7 million in the EU) with significant impact on their physical, mental, and social well-being (This impact is exacerbated by the fact that the correct diagnosis is made as late as 8–11 years after symptom presentation. Treatment delays are due to a lack of a reliable non-invasive diagnostic test, and the fact that the reference diagnostic standard is laparoscopy (invasive, expensive and not without risks). As there is no permanent cure for endometriosis, current therapies have three main goals: (i) to reduce pain; (ii) to increase the pregnancy rate for women who desire to have children and (iii) to delay recurrence for as long as possible. The EndoSolve project will develop the first medical device to treat the underlying mechanism of endometriosis, providing a long-term non-pharma treatment for the chronic disease.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC-LS - ERC Proof of Concept Lump Sum PilotHost institution
H91 Galway
Ireland