Harnessing biobanking, Organ models and Patient Empowerment for a better quality of life for women living with PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome
| Title | Harnessing biobanking, Organ models and Patient Empowerment for a better quality of life for women living with PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome |
|---|---|
| Acronym | hope4PCOS |
| Start date | 2026-06-01 |
| End date | 2030-05-31 |
| Sponsor | European Commission |
| Institution | KU Leuven |
Associated cell lines
Project Description
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6-13% of women of reproductive age and remains one of the most under-researched and poorly understood conditions in women’s health. Diagnostic delays are prevalent due to the complex and heterogeneous nature of symptoms. Current research relies heavily on animal models, which fail to reflect the multifaceted human pathophysiology of PCOS, strongly limiting progress in understanding the disease and in diagnostic and therapeutic development. hope4PCOS aims to transform PCOS research by developing human 3D models of key organs involved in the disease, including the neuroendocrine axis, adipose tissue and reproductive organs. These advanced models will be supported by a comprehensive biobanking strategy, combining minimally invasive sampling with innovative approaches. The project will establish a standardized multi-organ PCOS biobanking protocol to harmonize sample collection and model generation across Europe. To ensure patient impact, hope4PCOS will co-create a digital health platform longitudinally fed by patient input that empowers women with PCOS to receive guidance toward diagnosis and disease management and allows to identify digital biomarkers. Together, hope4PCOS will advance pathological insight and immune-biomarker discovery toward therapeutic progress and better quality of life for women living with PCOS. Through cutting-edge science, patient-centered innovation and strategic exploitation, hope4PCOS will significantly advance women’s health research, accelerate personalized medicine and contribute to the EU’s goals of equity, innovation and global leadership in biomedical research.