On May 20, 2025, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona hosted a special event celebrating International Clinical Trials Day, spotlighting the SPIOMET4HEALTH clinical trial — a pioneering European project developing a new treatment for PCOS in adolescent girls and young women.
Understanding PCOS and the urgent need for innovation
PCOS is the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age. It can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), hirsutism, acne, and abnormal fat distribution. These symptoms often have a profound psychological impact, lowering self-esteem and confidence. Alarmingly, around 40% of women with PCOS also experience depression or anxiety.
Despite its prevalence, there is currently no approved treatment specifically designed for adolescent girls with PCOS. Most are prescribed oral contraceptives off-label, which manage symptoms but do not address the root hormonal and metabolic dysfunctions — leaving patients vulnerable to long-term complications, including subfertility.
About SPIOMET4HEALTH
The SPIOMET4HEALTH project introduces a new clinical approach through a combination of spironolactone, pioglitazone, and metformin (SPIOMET), administered in a single daily tablet alongside lifestyle interventions. Rather than masking symptoms, the goal is to restore hormonal balance, normalize ovulation, and target the underlying mechanisms of PCOS — offering a long-term improvement in both physical and emotional health.
A day of science, stories, and shared purpose
The event brought together around 90 attendees including researchers, clinicians, patients, and their families. It was held in the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital and reflected a perfect blend of scientific progress and patient-centered values.
Opening the conversation
The session began with a warm welcome to patients and families, followed by institutional remarks from Joan Comella, Director of the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute (IRSJD). Comella underscored the role of clinical trials in transforming healthcare, with a particular emphasis on conditions like PCOS that have historically been underfunded and under-researched.
Then, Joana Claverol, head of the Clinical Research Unit, provided a compelling introduction to International Clinical Trials Day, connecting the historical legacy of clinical trials with the present-day mission of projects like SPIOMET4HEALTH. She highlighted the rigorous, collaborative work behind the scenes and the importance of ethics, safety, and patient trust in modern research.
Sharing the human side of research
Following the introduction, Cristina Salvador and Abel López Bermejo, both sub-investigators of the project, gave a detailed overview of the scientific and operational structure of the clinical trial.
Elisenda Sans, Cristina García and Maite Miranda, research nurses and study coordinators, offered valuable insights into the practical implementation of the trial. They highlighted the day-to-day realities of managing a clinical study, including the challenges of participant follow-up and the deeply rewarding relationships formed with patients. Additionally, they shared further reflections on the operational hurdles of the trial and emphasized the importance of building close, trust-based connections with participants.
Patients at the center
A particularly moving segment of the event was the video presentation and roundtable discussion featuring three adolescent patients currently participating in the study. The session was moderated by Begoña Nafría, Coordinator of Patient Participation in Research, who guided an honest and emotional conversation about what it means to live with PCOS — and how participating in SPIOMET4HEALTH has brought clarity, empowerment, and hope.
The participants spoke candidly about their diagnoses, symptoms, and emotional journeys, and how being part of the trial has helped them feel seen, understood, and supported. These testimonials reinforced the value of co-creating science with patients, rather than simply researching about them.
The role of patients in the research process
SPIOMET4HEALTH distinguishes itself not only through its innovative clinical model but also through its patient-centered philosophy. By integrating the voices and experiences of participants, the project aligns with a growing movement in health research: one that recognizes patients not just as subjects, but as partners.
This inclusive approach helps ensure that treatments are developed in ways that are clinically effective, emotionally meaningful, and socially responsive.
Looking forward: hope backed by science
With patient recruitment completed and trials in progress, SPIOMET4HEALTH is now generating critical data that will inform future standards of care for PCOS. If successful, the SPIOMET combination could become the first approved treatment specifically for adolescent girls with PCOS — a milestone that would impact millions.
The day concluded with a healthy networking “pica-pica” in the hospital’s pine grove, where attendees reflected on the morning’s discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to improving women’s health through science.
Final thoughts
The SPIOMET4HEALTH event on International Clinical Trials Day was more than a celebration — it was a testament to collaboration, a showcase of scientific progress, and a platform for patient empowerment. It reminded us that research is not only about data and protocols, but about people, lived experiences, and creating a future where girls and young women with PCOS have access to better, safer, and more effective care.