Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It affects approximately 1M girls, women and gender diverse people in Canada and approximately 190M people globally [1]. It is a common cause of infertility and pelvic pain and it impacts function, productivity, relationships and quality of life, with an estimated cost of $1.8B per year to Canadian society [2]. 

Endometriosis is also a risk factor for pregnancy complications, autoimmune and cardiovascular disease and ovarian cancer. Treatments include surgery or hormonal drugs; there is significant symptom persistence, and hormonal drugs cannot be used by patients trying for pregnancy or may be stopped due to side effects. For these reasons, a non-hormonal therapy, which can treat symptoms and modify the biology of the disease, is a high-priority need. 

This project connects AbCellera's capacity to develop antibody therapies with foundational work by leading endometriosis experts, Drs. Paul Yong (UBC) and David Huntsman (BC Cancer). This work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets to expand an antibody therapeutic program for non-hormonal antibody therapeutics. This collaboration offers an opportunity to translate Canadian researchers' discoveries into a treatment approach for endometriosis, positioning Canada as a leader in drug development for this condition. Successfully developing a disease-modifying drug has the potential to reverse substantial productivity losses, contributing significantly to Canada's economic, social and technological advancement. 

[1] The Endometriosis Network Canada, https://endometriosisnetwork.com/ 

[2] A. R. Levy et al., “Economic Burden of Surgically Confirmed Endometriosis in Canada,” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, vol. 33, no. 8, pg. 830–837.