Understanding Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A New Initiative from Gujarat Biotechnology University

Funding for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Research

A team of researchers led by Prof. Rohini Nair, assistant professor at Gujarat Biotechnology University, has secured funding from the Gates Foundation to tackle heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). This funding, part of the Grand Challenges initiative, provides approximately Rs 1.3 crore to develop affordable, scalable, and minimally invasive RNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools for women's health.

Objectives of the Research Project

This project aims to:

• Advance understanding of HMB through research.
• Assess its impact on gynaecological health.
• Develop improved methods for measuring HMB.
• Utilize technology, including artificial intelligence, to identify causes of HMB.
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness and increase access.

HMB poses significant challenges worldwide, leading to anaemia, chronic fatigue, and a diminished quality of life, particularly in low-resource settings. The initiative aims to dismantle the societal stigmas surrounding this condition.

Research Collaboration

The research will be carried out in partnership with Dr. Rohina Aggarwal at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) in Ahmedabad, focusing on patient identification and clinical evaluations.

Insights from single-cell RNA sequencing will map the endometrial microenvironment, revealing pathways and biomarkers related to abnormal uterine bleeding. This project signifies a crucial step in advancing women’s health research in India.