Connecticut launches first state-funded endometriosis biorepository to enhance patient support

On February 10, 2025, the Connecticut Human Services Committee convened to discuss the ongoing efforts of the Endometriosis Working Group, which has been active since its funding in 2021. The meeting highlighted the pressing need for improved patient support, awareness, and education regarding endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting many women.

A significant point raised during the meeting was the alarming statistic that 58 percent of patients undergoing surgery for endometriosis will require additional surgeries within five years. This statistic underscores the necessity for enhanced support systems and educational initiatives to better inform both patients and the general public about the disease.

State Representative Jillian Gilchrist, a key figure in the establishment of the Endometriosis Working Group, emphasized the collaborative approach taken by the group. This initiative has brought together patients, advocates, clinicians, scientists, and legislators to address the complexities of endometriosis. The UnderRISE team, led by Dr. Luciano from UConn Health, has been instrumental in these efforts, focusing on research and community engagement.

The meeting also reviewed the objectives outlined in Public Act 23-67, which aims to enhance understanding and treatment of endometriosis in Connecticut. Among the goals are the establishment of a biorepository—the first state-funded initiative of its kind in the nation—dedicated to collecting and analyzing samples from a diverse patient population. This biorepository will facilitate research into the disease's biological underpinnings and its impact on patients' lives.

The initiative aims to collect various biospecimens, including blood, urine, and tissue, during surgical procedures. This data will be crucial in understanding the relationship between biological factors and the symptoms experienced by patients, as well as tracking the disease's progression over time.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Human Services Committee meeting reflect a significant commitment to addressing endometriosis in Connecticut. The collaborative efforts of the Endometriosis Working Group and the establishment of a biorepository represent important steps toward improving patient outcomes and fostering a deeper understanding of this complex condition. As the group continues its work, the focus will remain on enhancing support and education for those affected by endometriosis.