E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
BioTech innovation has never been more promising, yet much of it has historically overlooked female biology – not out of malice, but due to outdated models. For decades, women were underrepresented in clinical trials and many medical protocols have been built around male physiology. As a result, we’ re still catching up on understanding how women’ s bodies respond uniquely to drugs, diagnostics and disease.
Female-focused BioTech research isn’ t just about equity – it’ s about efficacy. Women’ s health encompasses far more than reproductive systems. Cardiovascular disease presents differently in women. Autoimmune disorders disproportionately affect them. Hormonal changes influence everything from metabolism to brain health. And yet, research tailored to these biological nuances remains grossly underfunded.
We’ re seeing real breakthroughs in areas like ovarian cancer detection, hormone-responsive conditions and perimenopausal care – but these are often led by underresourced labs or startups. Without sustained, dedicated investment, promising therapies for half the population risk falling into the so-called‘ valley of death’ between discovery and delivery.
Funding female-focused BioTech is also an economic opportunity. Women drive 80 % of healthcare decisions and are increasingly seeking precision-based, preventative solutions. The more we invest in research that reflects their realities, the more innovation we unleash for everyone.
In the era of AI, omics and longevity science, we must ensure women’ s health data isn’ t an afterthought. It should be a foundation. That’ s how we build a BioTech future that’ s both cutting-edge and truly inclusive. �
DR HELEN MESSIER MD, PHD, CHIEF MEDICAL AND
SCIENCE OFFICER, FOUNTAIN LIFE
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