Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)/Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) Research Underfunding Continues

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), is a common endocrine disorder affecting 4-20% of women worldwide. Prior analysis (2006-2015) demonstrated that PCOS/PMOS received disproportionately less U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding compared with other chronic disorders of similar prevalence and/or morbidity, namely rheumatoid arthritis (RA), tuberculosis (TB), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A number of bipartisan advocacy efforts have been made since.

To determine the impact of current advocacy efforts on NIH funding for PCOS/PMOS research.

NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools were queried.

In 2016-22 mean annual NIH funding for PCOS/PMOS was $31.8 M vs. $262.4 M (RA), $66.1 M (TB), and $420.4 M (SLE), a 48%, 577%, -15% and 689% difference, respectively, compared to 2006-2015. In 2016-2022 PCOS/PMOS research received 533 awards from 16 NIH Institute/Centers (ICs), with 44.8% of funding arising from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), compared with 68.4% in the prior study period. RA, TB, and SLE funding came from 27, 36, and 27 ICs, respectively.

In 2016-2022 PCOS/PMOS research funding by the NIH increased by ∼50% compared to 2006-2015, albeit still less than the increase and total funding for RA and SLE. There appeared to be greater interest in PCOS/PMOS by a higher number of ICs. Recent advocacy efforts appear to be associated with increasing NIH funding. However, much remains to be done to address persistent disparities in research funding for this highly prevalent and morbid women's health disorder.