Women’s health has long been underserved in medical research, but the tide is finally turning. With over €2 billion invested in women’s health research, the European Union is taking bold steps to close gender gaps in healthcare. At the forefront of these efforts is the SPIOMET4HEALTH project, aiming to deliver the first approved treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
For centuries, medical research has been predominantly male-oriented, leading to a lack of understanding of the unique health needs of women. This gender imbalance in healthcare contributes to delayed diagnoses and misaligned treatments.
The European Commission has recognised this gap and is now prioritising gender-sensitive research as part of its broader strategy for equality. The recently published factsheet ‘EU Research on Advancing Women’s Health’ highlights that more than 1,000 projects under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe have already been funded to address this very issue. These projects span a wide range of health domains, from cancer screening and cardiovascular care to mental health and maternal wellbeing.
Among these areas, reproductive health stands out as both a critical focus and a longstanding blind spot. Conditions like endometriosis and PCOS remain significantly under-researched, despite their prevalence —approximately 110 million women worldwide are diagnosed with PCOS— and their lifelong impact on women’s quality of life. Recognising the complex interplay between hormonal, environmental and genetic factors in reproductive health, the EU is funding innovative projects that aim to fill the research void.
SPIOMET4HEALTH: targeting PCOS through innovation
One of these projects is SPIOMET4HEALTH, a flagship initiative under Horizon Europe dedicated specifically to PCOS research.
Affecting up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders globally—and one of the least understood. Women with PCOS face a higher risk of metabolic complications, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and psychological distress. Yet no approved treatment currently exists that addresses the root causes of the condition. That is where SPIOMET4HEALTH comes in.
The project is testing a novel treatment combining three well-known medications—spironolactone, pioglitazone and metformin—in a single tablet, alongside lifestyle guidance. This “SPIOMET” solution has shown promise in normalising ovulation and hormone balance.
At SPIOMET4HEALTH, we are committed to changing the future for women with PCOS. Our mission is to pioneer research that leads to the first-ever approved treatment for this condition. We are conducting a clinical trial that pushes the boundaries of current knowledge and seeks to develop a solution that addresses the root causes of PCOS, rather than just treating its symptoms.
Our work is grounded in the belief that innovation and collaboration are key to making a real difference. We are fortunate to work alongside high level partners from across Europe who share our vision of overcoming PCOS as a united effort.
SPIOMET4HEALTH reflects how EU-funded research is helping to build a fairer, more inclusive health future for women. By investing in projects that tackle unmet needs like PCOS, Europe is not only advancing science—it is advancing equity. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a healthcare system that listens to women, learns from them, and ultimately delivers better outcomes for all.