"Sex Matters" in Medical Research -- From Womb to Tomb

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Institute of Medicine Study Finds That "Sex Matters" in Medical Research -- From Womb to Tomb

IOM Report Calls for Increased Sex-Based Medical Research

Washington, D.C., April 25, 2001 -- In the first significant review of the status of sex and gender differences in biomedical research by an independent research organization, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences confirmed that differences between the sexes exist in the prevalence and severity of a broad range of diseases, disorders, and conditions. These sex differences must be considered when designing and analyzing research studies in all areas and at all levels of biomedical and health-related research, according to the IOM report, Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health: Does Sex Matter?

"Sex does matter," said Mary-Lou Pardue, Ph.D., chair of the national IOM Committee on Understanding the Biology of Sex and Gender Differences, in the preface to the report. "It matters in ways that we did not expect. Undoubtedly, it also matters in ways that we have not begun to imagine."

The 16-month report, released by the National Academy of Sciences late Tuesday, found that sex differences important to health and human disease occur in the womb and throughout the life span, affecting behavior, perception, and health. Sufficient knowledge of the biological basis of sex differences already exists so that the study of this field is evolving into a mature science.

In calling for greater focus on sex-based biomedical research, the IOM report identified barriers to the advancement of knowledge about sex differences -- including ethical, financial, sociological and scientific factors.

"The IOM report conclusively states that sex must be considered in all aspects and at all levels of biomedical research," said Phyllis Greenberger, MSW, president and CEO of the Society for Women's Health Research, one of the co-sponsors of the IOM study. "Now the challenge is to make sure that mechanisms are put in place to ensure better understanding of basic differences between the sexes and that these differences become translated into clinical practices. Such measures will benefit both women and men."

In response to the IOM's recommendation to encourage support of interdisciplinary research on sex differences, the Society is launching the Isis Fund, a research fund devoted to the scientific exploration of diseases and conditions that affect women solely, predominantly, or differently. The fund will foster interdisciplinary research, drawing new investigators and new ideas to the study of biological sex differences. For more information about the Isis Fund or the Society, visit www.womens-health.org.

In addition to the Society, IOM project co-sponsors included the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Office on Women's Health, National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Research Foundation for Health and Environmental Effects, Ortho-McNeil/Johnson & Johnson, and Unilever United States Foundation.

The Society for Women's Health Research, founded in 1990, is the nation's only not-for-profit organization whose sole mission is to improve the health of women through research. The Society advocates increased funding for research on women's health, encourages the study of sex differences that may affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, and promotes the inclusion of women in medical research studies.

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