u/Hopeful_Candle_9781

> A female academic is investigating whether weight loss drugs could help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

> The condition, which affects up to one in ten women, changes how women's ovaries work and is linked to infertility and weight gain.

> Dr Shagaf Bakour has won a £60,000 NHS research grant through Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust to look at whether drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic might help.

> "The research could lead to earlier support, better long-term health, and more joined-up care for a condition that affects many women but is still often overlooked," she said.

Link: https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/2026-04/GPhC\_position\_statement\_on\_the\_use\_of\_Artificial\_Intelligence\_in\_pharmacy\_0.pdf

Interesting.. I believe medexpress have an AI program that looks through summary care records.

Here's the info:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ta11650/documents

Patient Expert Expression of Interest – NICE Technology Appraisal for a new treatment for people living with a higher weight

Activity description:

NICE is evaluating whether a new medicine is suitable for use across the NHS. Orforglipron is a once‑daily tablet designed to support people living with higher weight. It works by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, helping some people eat less without feeling as hungry. It belongs to the same group of medicines as other GLP‑1 treatments (medicines that help regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion) but is taken as a tablet rather than an injection. This appraisal focuses on people living with higher weight who also have at least one weight‑related health condition (sometimes called a co‑morbidity), such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, or other long‑term health conditions.

We are looking for patient experts who can help the NICE committee understand the lived experience of people living with a higher weight, and what matters most to patients and carers when considering treatments like this.

You can read more about the Orforglipron for managing overweight and obesity appraisal (if you click on the ‘Project documents’ tab towards the top right hand side of the webpage, you’ll also find documents like the scope which tell you more about the plans for this guidance).

Skills & Experience Needed:

We welcome expressions of interest from people with lived experience of living with a higher weight, including where this is alongside one or more weight‑related health conditions, either as a patient or a carer. You do not need to have experience with the specific drug being appraised (Orforglipron). You will need to feel comfortable sharing your experience and views in a large meeting. Support and guidance will be provided if you are selected, including an induction before the committee meeting.

Time Commitment:

Completing a nomination form by Wednesday 22 April and, if selected, then also a personal statement (guidance provided on how to do this)

A 1-hour pre-meeting induction (briefing) on Wednesday 20 May at 4.30pm

Reading background papers in the week before the committee meeting

Attending the committee meeting (approx. 3 hours) on Tuesday 14 July 2026

Key Date: Tuesday 14 July 2026 (committee meeting date)

Location: Both meetings will take place virtually, via Zoom.

Payment:  The committee meeting payment will be £75 for up to and including 4 hours. The pre-briefing meeting payment will be £75.

How to Express an Interest: Please email Charlotte Stephens and Jessica Bailey (Public Involvement Advisor) to express your interest or to ask any questions

(Please quote : NICE ID "ID6516" in the title of your email. You will be asked to complete a nomination form outlining your experience by Wednesday 22 April – we will provide you with guidance on how to do this)

How Members Will Be Selected: The Chair of the committee will review all nomination forms and then select the most appropriate patient expert for the topic.

Closing date:  09.00, Monday 20 April 2026