Endometriosis Research: What's Happening

Endometriosis
June 23, 2026•3 min read

Emerging Non-Hormonal Endometriosis Therapies

For decades, most endometriosis treatments have focused on hormonal suppression. Today, researchers are exploring a new generation of therapies that target lesions, inflammation, and pain pathways without shutting down ovarian function.

None of these treatments are approved yet, but they represent an important shift in how scientists are thinking about endometriosis.

Research is moving beyond symptom suppression and toward understanding the biology of the disease itself. We will continue to highlight research initiatives here and on our The Endo Research Alliance pages.

1. ENDO-205

What is it?

A first-in-class peptide therapy designed to selectively target endometriosis lesions without suppressing ovarian hormones. The goal is to attack disease tissue directly while preserving normal hormone function.

Current Stage

Phase I Human Trial (2026)

The FDA granted Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance in March 2026, allowing human studies to begin. Phase I studies primarily evaluate safety, tolerability, and dosing. They do not yet determine whether the treatment works.

Why Researchers Are Interested

  • Non-hormonal

  • Potential disease-modifying therapy

  • Designed to target lesions directly

  • May avoid menopausal side effects associated with hormonal suppression

Important Limitation

There is currentlyno published human efficacy datademonstrating lesion regression or symptom improvement. The excitement is based largely on preclinical findings.

Learn More

2. HMI-115

What is it?

A monoclonal antibody that blocks theprolactin receptor. Researchers believe prolactin may contribute to lesion growth, inflammation, and pain signaling in endometriosis.

Current Stage

Phase III Clinical Trial (2026)

HMI-115 has progressed further than any other non-hormonal endometriosis therapy currently in development.

After positive Phase II results, the FDA granted Fast Track designation and Phase III enrollment began in 2026.

Why Researchers Are Interested

Phase II studies demonstrated:

  • Reduced dysmenorrhea

  • Reduced non-menstrual pelvic pain

  • Favorable safety profile

  • No ovarian suppression

  • No induced menopause

Why It Matters

This is currently the most advanced non-hormonal therapy in the endometriosis pipeline and arguably the closest to potential regulatory review.

Learn More

3. Vipoglanstat

What is it?

A non-hormonal oral therapy that inhibitsmPGES-1, an enzyme involved in inflammatory prostaglandin production.

Unlike hormonal treatments, Vipoglanstat is designed to target inflammatory pathways believed to drive pain and disease activity.

Current Stage

Phase II Trial (NOVA Trial)

The NOVA study is actively enrolling women across multiple European countries. The study is evaluating whether the drug reduces endometriosis-related pain while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Why Researchers Are Interested

  • Non-hormonal

  • Non-opioid

  • Oral medication

  • Targets inflammation directly

  • May be suitable for long-term management if successful

Learn More

Additional Areas Worth Watching

These are not as far along clinically, but many researchers believe they may represent the future of endometriosis treatment:

Neuroimmune Therapies

Researchers are studying:

  • Nerve growth factor (NGF)

  • Neuroangiogenesis

  • Mast cells

  • Macrophages

  • Dendritic cells

The goal is to understand why pain sometimes persists even after lesions are removed.

Precision Medicine & Genomics

Researchers are trying to identify:

  • Who is genetically susceptible

  • Who develops severe disease

  • Who is likely to recur after surgery

  • Which therapies work best for specific patient groups

Source:ClinicalTrials.gov; Hope Medicine; EndoCyclic Therapeutics; Gesynta Pharma (accessed June 2026)

EndometriosisEndoResearchNon-hormonal treatment
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