Written by Kherta Mohamed
Research attentive to women’s health has been significantly underfunded and underrepresented in clinical trials, and this oversight has led to delayed diagnosis, lack of personalised medicine and treatment, and disparities in access to care. However, a change is underway, and pharmaceutical companies are forging solutions devoted to the health challenges distinctive to women.
In 2019 the global women’s health market was valued at $35.02 billion and is estimated to reach up to $41.05 billion in 2027. This is owing to the rise of women-centred health conditions, namely osteoporosis, menopause, and breast cancer.
However, lack of funding primarily leads to a pause in drug research relating to women’s health. Notably, Bayer, known to be pivotal in women’s health, recently redirected their focus onto other health concerns such as neurology, rare diseases and immunology.
This post highlights several pharmaceutical powerhouses that are transforming and redefining the landscape of women’s health. Other than developing drugs, they are reshaping the paradigm, empowering women, advocating for access to education and bridging the gap in women’s pain and health.
Organon
Organon is a global healthcare company with a portfolio of therapies and products in women’s health, biosimilars, and established medicines across various conditions and diseases. With innovative birth-control products such as the Nexplanon, a long-acting contraceptive implant, and the NuvaRing, a monthly vaginal ring, Organon has also developed Follistim, a self-injection pen designed to stimulate ovulation. Organon’s Her Promise Access Initiative is a global force expanding access to contraception and contraceptive education in low-income countries, and its purpose is to avert an estimated 120 million unintended pregnancies by 2030.
Roche
Roche’s portfolio focuses on breast, ovarian and cervical cancer. Through initiatives such as the Global Access Program, Roche is expanding diagnostic solutions for cervical cancer in Africa, namely Nigeria and Kenya. Alongside this, their presence in digital health is equally groundbreaking by developing digital platforms to enhance early detection and personalised treatment of cancers.
Zambon
Zambon focuses on women’s health through infections of the urinary tract, as 150 million contract a urinary tract infection every year, and 50-60% of women have had a UTI at least once in their life. Zambon has developed Monuril to treat acute UTIs and has extended its focus beyond pharma and into femtech initiatives. In their 2024 Open Accelerator, they aim to invest in women’s health sector startups building innovative solutions. By supporting these startups, Zambon is fostering novel technological advancements in gynaecology, oncology and mental health and the potential to redefine the landscape in women’s health.
Theramex
Theramex is a global pharmaceutical company that has pledged to advocate for women’s health through every stage of life. They have developed over 20 products for health concerns, such as fertility, contraceptives, menopause and osteoporosis. Some contraceptive products Theramex offers are Dretine, Lutiz, Nacrez, Seasonique, and Zoely. For menopause management, they have designed Colpotrophine, Estreva, Evorel, Intrarosa, and Naemis, and some of the fertility products offered are Ovaleap and Ovamex. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes weakness in bone strength and leads to fractures. During menopause, estrogen levels decrease and low estrogen levels increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Some products designed that target osteoporosis are Actonel, Cacit, and Livogiva. Thermex has collaborated and partnered with other tech companies, enabling women’s healthcare to become more accessible and exploring digital tools to improve patient compliance and offer personalised medicine.
Pfizer
Pfizer is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to making influential contributions to women’s health, with a commitment to addressing menopause, osteoporosis, and breast cancer. They invented Premarin, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) targeting menopausal symptoms; Ibrance, oral medication to treat breast cancer, namely advanced breast cancer; as well as Prempro, a combined HRT containing estrogen and progestin targeting menopausal symptoms and risk of developing osteoporosis.
AbbVie
AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on creating medicines and solutions that put impact first — for patients, communities, and our world. Abbvie is committed to contributing to women’s health by devoting its designs to conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Some of them are – Synarel, a nasal spray for endometriosis; Orillissa, which targets the pain symptoms of endometriosis; and Lupron Depot for uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
Elli Lilly
Elli Lilly is a pharmaceutical company that contributes to advancing women’s health through oncology, reproductive and mental health solutions. They have developed Verzenio in combination with endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Prozac targets premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), PMS, and other mood disorders, and Forteo aids in increasing bone density and strength in postmenopausal women with a heightened risk of osteoporosis.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing on transforming healthcare and patient outcomes. AstraZeneca’s portfolio targets women’s health through cancer therapies for breast and ovarian cancers. They have designed Nolvadex, which helps treat and prevent risk of breast cancer; Zoladex, which treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women; and Lynparza, primarily used for ovarian cancer but also breast cancer.
Sanofi
Sanofi is an innovative global healthcare company providing a broad solution for women’s health, namely in fields such as menopause, diabetes, and infertility. Sanofi offers Lantus and Toujeo, insulin therapies that support women managing gestational diabetes; Clomid, an infertility treatment that stimulates ovulation; Estrace, which targets menopausal symptoms by managing estrogen deficiency; and Taxotere, for breast cancer.
Novartis
Novartis is an innovative medicines company that is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. Novartis targets a range of therapies targeting women’s health, such as cancer and osteoporosis. Femara, Afinitor, and Tykerb are both breast cancer treatments, while Reclast is designed for osteoporosis in menopausal women.
