Global charity established to improve research in endometriosis

An unprecedented collaboration between ESHRE, the ASRM, and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) has resulted in the creation of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) – the first global charitable organisation with an aim to foster research into endometriosis to improve knowledge and treatment(s) for the tens of millions of women across the world who suffer from endometriosis.

All three organisations have recognised the lack of large scale international clinical trials, the lack of overall funding for endometriosis research and, not least, the isolation of programs

within countries, inadequate communications among centres, and inefficiencies of research when information and data are not shared.

The Foundation will provide an international platform to:

Facilitate and carry out large scale international multi-centre trials involving sufficient patient numbers to provide results of statistical significance; and

Support specific research projects investigating disease mechanisms.

An early deliverable will be the establishment of a global epidemiological research registry, which will enable the Foundation to collect and produce data to establish “trends”, which in turn will aid in pointing toward designing and carrying out prospective trials.

WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Endometriosis is a disease where tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, is found in other areas of the body, where it may cause pain and infertility. The pain can be so severe that it can leave a woman unable to finish an education or maintain a career and the disease can have significant effect on her quality of life, relationships, ability to have children, and carries a substantial socio-economic impact.

Tens of millions of women around the world struggle daily with the challenge of endometriosis; yet, the origin of endometriosis is poorly understood, most treatments have side effects, and there is no cure.

THE VISION

Supported by three well known global organisations within the field of gynaecology, and with a strong, experienced and well respected international board, the Foundation should be able to carry out its mission of fostering meaningful research to improve knowledge and treatments. But not without sufficient funding.

With sufficient funding the work of the Foundation will result in major and beneficial influence on the diagnosis and management of endometriosis.

SUCCESS in these areas may herald a new era of meaningful medical research in endometriosis

SUCCESS in these areas may mean that women with endometriosis will have more than one dream...

Please get involved and donate to endometriosis research at:
www.endometriosisfoundation.org

NOTES TO EDITORS:

ESHRE is the "European Society for Humann Reproduction and Embryology"

ASRM is the "American Society for Reproductive Medicine".