The SPIOMET4HEALTH partners, reunited! The project’s third General Assembly meeting took place in Barcelona, where we came together to reflect on the progress achieved and address key topics shaping the future of our clinical trial. This meeting was a vital opportunity to strategize for the next phase and ensure we’re on track to deliver impactful results.
The third General Assembly of the SPIOMET4HEALTH project took place on October 8th and 9th, 2024, in Barcelona. The meeting, held in a hybrid format, brought together all 17 partner organizations involved in the project, representing academia, healthcare institutions, and industry. This diverse group united to discuss the project’s progress, share insights, and plan future steps in their collaborative effort to find the first treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
The event’s primary goal was to review the significant advancements made since the last meeting and strategize for the upcoming phases. By facilitating discussions across various work packages, the assembly provided an opportunity to evaluate clinical trial developments, refine ongoing research, and ensure alignment with the project’s overarching objectives. These discussions were key to maintaining the project’s momentum in its second half.
SPIOMET4HEALTH is dedicated to developing a groundbreaking treatment for PCOS, a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Unlike traditional treatments, which primarily manage symptoms, this novel therapy aims to address the root causes of PCOS, offering a safer and more effective solution that can improve both quality of life and long-term health outcomes for women.
Launched in April 2021, the SPIOMET4HEALTH project is set to run until 2026, with funding provided by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
Key updates from the SPIOMET4HEALTH project
The General Assembly opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Lourdes Ibáñez, project coordinator (Hospital Sant Joan de Déu). The program then featured presentations by Work Package leaders and representatives from the clinical centers, each providing an update on their progress and sharing milestones achieved over the past few months.
A significant focus of the meeting was the collaborative work carried out by the various work packages, which have been crucial in advancing the clinical trial phase. The group carefully reviewed the findings and progress made since the last General Assembly (held in November 2023), while also reflecting on the recommendations from the June 2024 project review. This reflection prompted fruitful discussions on how to overcome current challenges, implement necessary adjustments, and optimize the overall approach.
One of the major milestones reached this year was the completion of patient recruitment for the clinical trial. SPIOMET4HEALTH enrolled participants from six different countries: Spain (Barcelona and Girona), Austria (Graz), Norway (Trondheim), Italy (Bologna), Denmark (Odense), and Turkey (Istanbul). With recruitment finalized, the project is now moving forward into the critical phase of conducting trials and gathering in-depth results that will determine the future of this innovative treatment.
Looking ahead: next steps and collaboration
As the assembly drew to a close, the project coordinator highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among all consortium members. Despite significant progress, the project is now entering a crucial stage, with much work still to be done. The focus will remain on ensuring the smooth execution of the project’s plan, maintaining open channels of communication among all partners, and fostering collaboration.
The General Assembly not only served as a platform for technical updates but also as a valuable opportunity for networking and informal exchanges, strengthening the bonds between project partners. As the project moves closer to delivering its final results, these connections will be vital to overcoming challenges and reaching the finish line.