CT Prioritizes Endometriosis Research Despite Federal Science Funding Uncertainty

Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 individuals assigned female at birth, according to the World Health Organization. To tackle this widespread but often misunderstood condition, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont proposed a two-year budget of $55.2 billion, which includes ongoing funding for research and education on endometriosis.

This initiative stems from a law passed in 2023, inspired by the recommendations of the Endometriosis Working Group. Initial funding helped create EndoRISE, a biorepository where UConn Health and the Jackson Laboratory collect and analyze tissue samples. This research aims to improve diagnostics and find treatment options beyond surgery.

State Representative Jillian Gilchrest, who leads the working group, highlights the need for increased funding in this area. She notes that endometriosis research has not received sufficient financial support in the past.

Federal support has been gradually increasing, with the National Institutes of Health allocating $27 million for endometriosis research in 2022, a jump from $13 million in 2020. However, funding may face challenges due to proposed cuts to essential federal grants, which raises concerns about the future of biomedical research.

Gilchrest expressed hope that Connecticut can continue progressing in research, even if other areas face budget cuts. She emphasized that an additional $2 million is crucial for ongoing education and research efforts to expand EndoRISE’s reach.

Patients from St. Francis Hospital in Hartford and Danbury Hospital will soon join the research efforts, with plans to include additional hospitals to ensure a diverse patient sample. Currently, many diagnosed with endometriosis are white, so expanding the patient base is vital.

This focus on diversity is a key part of the law, as it aims to better represent all individuals affected by endometriosis. Efforts such as these highlight the importance of continued research and awareness for this challenging condition.