GLP-1 drugs show promise for PMOS

A small but growing body of research indicates that GLP-1 drugs, commonly used for obesity and diabetes, may also be effective in treating polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), a hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 8 women worldwide. Dr. Melanie Cree of Children s Hospital Colorado led three studies testing GLP-1 drugs for PMOS, including one in which patient Charlotte Touzalin participated. Early data published in June in Fertility and Sterility showed that eight of 11 participants lost at least 10% of their body weight, with median weight loss of about 42 pounds and a 52% median drop in testosterone. Six women had more frequent periods, and four returned to monthly cycles. The studies examined semaglutide (marketed by Novo Nordisk) and exenatide (marketed by Eli Lilly and Company). While results are promising, the drugs are not approved for PMOS, and insurance coverage is often denied. Doctors are increasingly prescribing them off-label, but access remains a barrier. Touzalin, who benefited from the trial, had to stop treatment after the study ended due to insurance issues, and her mother David Schultz is fighting with her insurer to continue coverage.