Viatris Inc., a global healthcare company, sold its Women’s Healthcare business as part of a deal valued at approximately $1.2 billion. This transaction included selling their Women’s Healthcare business (primarily related to oral and injectable contraceptives) to Isud Pharma. As part of this divestiture, Viatris also sold therapeutic assets Duphaston® (used to treat recurrent miscarriage, dysfunctional bleeding, infertility due to luteal insufficiency, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis) and Femoston® (used in menopausal therapy to treat hot flashes and osteoporosis) to Theramex.
These deals highlight the market for key categories of women's health therapeutics including contraception, IVF medication and menopausal hormone replacement therapy.
Contraceptive use has grown significantly worldwide, with the number of women using modern methods rising. Oral contraceptives remain a popular choice, particularly among younger women. Injectable contraceptives have also gained traction. In the US, Depo-Provera (DMPA) is the most common injectable contraceptive, administered every 12 weeks. Its popularity stems from its high effectiveness, convenience, and suitability for women who cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives.
The IVF medication market is also experiencing growth, driven by increasing infertility rates and advancements in reproductive technologies. A key trend is the development and adoption of oral progestin medications that offer similar efficacy to traditional vaginal progesterone, but with improved convenience and patient adherence. These oral options are particularly valuable for luteal phase support during IVF cycles, addressing issues such as threatened miscarriage and infertility due to luteal insufficiency.
Finally, 1.3 million US women enter menopause each year. Menopause often brings with it a constellation of symptoms that can profoundly affect a woman's quality of life. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood fluctuations, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances are among the most common and disruptive symptoms. As awareness grows, menopause is increasingly recognized as a critical health issue. This recognition has sparked a surge in demand for more effective and personalized treatment options, primarily hormone replacement therapy.
Across these areas of women's health therapeutics, we have seen significant early stage startup activity. Some players include:
Contraception
Afaxys, Series A - Providing affordable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare to all patients & providers, including injectable contraceptives
Contraline (Amboy Street Portfolio Company), Series B - Developing contraceptive options for men
Ocon Therapeutics, Series A - Intrauterine drug-delivery technology to treat abnormal uterine bleeding
Reproductive Health Medication
Granata Bio (Amboy Street Portfolio Company), Series A - Biopharma platform developing a pipeline of fertility products through in-licensing, co-development and acquisitions
Gesynta, Series A - Novel, non-hormonal, therapeutic for the treatment of endometriosis
Celmatix, Series A - Biopharma platform developing multiple therapeutics across ovarian and reproductive health
Menopause
Bonafide, Acquired - Women's health company that specializes in developing non-hormonal, natural products to address various menopause symptoms
The continued interest in women’s health innovation is reflected not only in major acquisitions like this one but also in the emergence of venture backed companies focused on groundbreaking treatments and technologies. As the industry shifts towards more inclusive and gender-specific healthcare solutions, the potential for future growth and innovation in this industry remains strong.
