It is a condition which causes sheer agony for one in 10 women. 

But the region's largest hospital is hoping that a "world-first" drug trial could produce a breakthrough that helps ease this suffering.

Endometriosis is a condition which occurs when cells that ordinarily line a woman's womb are found elsewhere in the body.

The condition, which affects one in 10 women in the UK, causes painful symptoms including heavy periods, pelvic pain and in extreme cases scarring and organ damage.

However, the Norfolk and Norwich University has launched a drug trial to see if a new antibody can reduce inflammation and other endometriosis symptoms. 

The hospital has welcomed its first patient to take the antibody, with the trial aiming to monitor the effectiveness of the antibody - called AMY109.

Edward Morris, the consultant gynaecologist leading the study, said: "Patients with endometriosis have inflammation, which is a key component in disease progression and if it goes on long enough it damages tissues.

"Significant new drugs for endometriosis have not come along for decades and the ones we have in daily use are largely hormonal bases, which can have unpleasant side effects.

"The way AMY109 works in reducing inflammation and potentially the destructive scaring of endometriosis could mean in the long-term some woman may avoid surgery for this debilitating disease."

Paul Simpson, consultant gynaecologist at the NNUH, said the treatment is different to other available treatments and that it could prove "disease-modifying".

The hospital is looking for more women to get involved in the study.

Participants need to be:

  • Female and aged between 18 and 49
  • Have endometriosis previously diagnosed by laparoscopy
  • Be prepared to have further laparoscopic surgery after the study

The research has been welcomed by the awareness charity Endometriosis UK.

Emma Cox, chief executive of the organisation said: "While it is early days in the research process, it is great to see much-needed investment in novel new ways to manage and treat endometriosis."

For more information, email gynae.research@nnuh.nhs.uk