Researchers are on the trail of new treatments to relieve endometriosis

For endometriosis week, researchers in Scotland and Japan are hoping for two new treatments. They would be on the trail of elements that reduce the pain caused by this disease that affects one in ten women in the world.

In Scotland promising tests on mice, then 30 patients and soon 100

As sighted SHEDr. Lucy Whitaker, doctor and researcher at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, would be on the trail of a cure to relieve the pain of women suffering from endometriosis.

The endometrium is the tissue on the walls of the uterus. In the case of a woman who has contracted the disease, this tissue separates and pieces end up in the abdomen and cling to the intestines or bladder. This causes chronic inflammation that makes period pains much more intense.

Hormonal treatments exist for the time being, but new treatments may emerge. Indeed, current treatments cause a large number of side effects and are not effective against pain, as explained above franceinfo Géraldine Zamansky, journalist of the “Magazine de la Santé” on France 5.

Dr Whitaker noted that excess lactate was the cause of endometrial proliferation. However, there are treatments to reduce the amount. The tests were then carried out on mice and gave good results. So a trial with 30 patients reduced the pain of most of them. A second study will integrate 100 patients from next fall, in order to define the right dose compared to a placebo.

Read also: Pain unsustainable and limited sexuality: theendometriosisI live there forever

In Japan, other promising tests on monkeys, then 26 volunteer patients

Hopes for a new cure are also emerging in Japan. Dr. Ayako Nishimoto-Kakiuchi, project manager of the Chugai Pharma laboratory, has created an antibody that can reduce inflammation caused by the disease. A study on monkeys showed that the intensity of pain was halved. Another study is ongoing with 26 patient volunteers.

He hopes that the next phase will take place in 2024 in the UK and that the treatment will be a monthly do-it-yourself injection. A real source of hope for the millions of women concerned.