ICMR Launches Study on Metformin and Inositol for PCOS Treatment - India's top health research organization, ICMR, is set to conduct a study to assess the effectiveness of two medications, Metformin and Inositol, in enhancing fertility and birth outcomes for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

The ICMR has called for expressions of interest (EOI) for a multi-center randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing the efficacy of Metformin and Inositol in improving fertility and pregnancy outcomes among women diagnosed with PCOS.

PCOS is a complex condition that affects reproductive, hormonal, and metabolic functions. Key symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, high androgen levels, insulin resistance, and abnormal hormone secretion.

Research indicates that infertility affects 70 to 80 percent of women with PCOS, according to the EOI document from ICMR. Furthermore, women with PCOS often experience a higher rate of pregnancy complications and less favorable outcomes, such as lower rates of live births and higher rates of miscarriage compared to women without the condition.

Metformin and Inositol are commonly prescribed in current medical practice for managing PCOS. However, the ICMR notes that there is insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of these two drugs in improving fertility and related outcomes.

A study from Finland showed that Metformin improved pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and ovulation rates compared to a placebo. Conversely, a Cochrane review that analyzed three smaller studies suggested that Metformin may only provide marginal benefits regarding live birth rates.

Additionally, there is limited global data on the effectiveness of Inositol for women with PCOS, particularly concerning pregnancy outcomes and menstrual cycle regulation.

The ICMR document emphasizes that there is almost no evidence on the effectiveness of both Metformin and Inositol within the Indian population. This new study aims to fill this knowledge gap and generate evidence to better manage PCOS and improve birth outcomes for women in India.

ICMR is inviting collaboration with researchers interested in developing a multi-center randomized controlled trial to investigate the management of PCOS in Indian women. The selected researchers will be invited to collaborate on a comprehensive research proposal and implement the multi-center study, coordinated by ICMR.

The main research question will focus on how Inositol compares to Metformin in terms of efficacy and safety regarding outcomes like pregnancy conception, menstrual cycle regularity, and improvements in hormonal and metabolic parameters among women with PCOS.

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