A new injectable medication initially developed to treat dry eye syndrome may offer hope as a repurposed treatment for endometriosis, a challenging and incurable gynecological condition, according to researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The researchers arrived at this conclusion after conducting an AI-driven meta-analysis of global data on endometriosis.
Endometriosis, which occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affects 5 to 15 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide. The condition can lead to severe pain, infertility, and has no known cure. While painkillers and hormone therapies can provide relief, they often come with complications and side effects.
The CUHK research team utilized an AI platform to analyze a comprehensive dataset focused on endometriosis, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets and repurpose existing drugs. The dataset, which primarily includes data from Western countries, also features contributions from some Asian nations such as China and Japan. Jacqueline Chung Pui-wah, a clinical associate professor in CUHK’s department of obstetrics and gynecology, noted that the data from Hong Kong and other Asian countries generally aligned with findings from Western nations.
Professor Ronald Wang Chi-chiu, head of the department’s division, expressed hopes for increased research funding to include data from Hong Kong in future studies. The team’s investigation identified a promising injectable drug used for dry eye syndrome, which could potentially be adapted for treating endometriosis. Future collaborations with pharmacologists may explore the possibility of formulating the drug for oral use.
Currently, the cost of treating dry eye syndrome with this medication ranges from HK$1,500 to HK$2,500 per month, while more traditional pain medications for endometriosis cost between HK$50 and HK$200 monthly. Surgical treatments, such as laparoscopy, can cost between HK$30,000 and HK$70,000.
“This new drug offers a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory alternative to the hormonal treatments we have traditionally used,” said Professor Chung. “Unlike previous hormonal treatments, which can lead to long-term side effects and dependency, this drug presents a potentially safer option.”
The CUHK researchers plan to continue investigating the drug’s clinical efficacy and conduct trials to confirm its effectiveness in treating endometriosis. Since the drug is already established as safe for dry eye syndrome, it provides a promising new avenue for addressing the medical needs of women suffering from this debilitating condition.
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