FEMCURE aims to develop innovative diagnostics and targeted therapeutics to address the current 8-year diagnostic delay and lack of proper therapies for menstrual disorders due to uterine disorders or endometriosis. Timely, effective treatments will improve quality of life and fertility for millions of women, while reducing healthcare and societal costs.
FEMCURE: Development of better diagnostics and targeted therapies for menstrual disorders
The FEMCURE program is led by Amsterdam UMC and works together with TNO, Eindhoven University of Technology, Radboudumc, Voices for Women, and Women Inc. The goal of FEMCURE is to improve how menstrual disorders are diagnosed and treated. These disorders can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis and problems with the uterus, including adenomyosis, myomas, or niches. The program will start in 2026 and brings together medical experts, technology developers, and healthcare organizations across the Netherlands.
Menstrual disorders affect hundreds of millions of women worldwide. They strongly influence daily life, fertility, and the ability to work. In the Netherlands, these problems cause about 10% of short-term sick leave and cost society around €5.2 billion each year in healthcare and lost productivity. Even so, it often takes up to eight years before women receive a correct diagnosis. Good and targeted treatments are still limited or sometimes not available. This shows that new and better solutions are urgently needed.
FEMCURE works on faster and more accurate ways to diagnose menstrual disorders, as well as better treatments tailored to each patient. The program develops tools such as health apps, easy self-tests, improved medical scans, and digital systems that help doctors make better decisions. FEMCURE also supports the development of new treatments and local care options. By closely connecting research, healthcare practice, companies, and patient groups, FEMCURE helps make sure new ideas can be used in real healthcare settings.
Projects in FEMCURE are chosen through a clear and fair selection process. Universities, research institutes, companies, and patient organizations can take part. There will be a matchmaking event in March 2026, a first project deadline on July 1st, 2026, and final project selection in Winter 2026. A second call will follow in Winter 2026. Interested organizations can contact the program team at PPSFEMCURE@amsterdamumc.nl.