Reimagining women's health in the 21st century

Imagine a world where medical research routinely excluded men... That's the reality many women face when it comes to healthcare.

For too long, women's health has been an afterthought, a niche concern in a system built by and for men. But women make up half of society (and 75% of my household). So, for that reason and many others, women’s health isn't just an issue for women. It's a family issue. It's a societal issue. It's a human issue. We therefore all have a vested interest in ensuring that women receive the healthcare they deserve.

The life sciences industry has a unique opportunity – and a clear responsibility – to move beyond superficial gestures and truly address the long-neglected health needs of women. This isn't just a matter of social responsibility; it's a recognition of a vast, underserved market ripe for innovation.

The gender health gap: A system stacked against women

For decades, healthcare has operated on a male-centric model, leaving women's health needs under-researched, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. This "gender health gap" has real, often devastating, consequences, as diseases often manifest differently in women. Heart attacks, for instance, frequently present with stomach pain or nausea in women, rather than the classic chest pain, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In fact, women are 50% more likely than men to receive an incorrect initial diagnosis following a heart attack.¹

Beyond this, conditions primarily affecting women, like endometriosis, are often dismissed or misdiagnosed for years, leaving women in chronic pain and impacting their quality of life. Imagine a seven-year wait for a diagnosis of a debilitating condition. This isn't just a hypothetical; it's the reality for many women. On average, the diagnostic delay for endometriosis is 6.6 years.²

This disparity extends beyond reproductive health. Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, with 78% of those affected being female,³ while mental health concerns in women are too often brushed aside as "emotional" or stress-related, denying them the specialised care they need. Furthermore, biological differences between the sexes influence how diseases progress and respond to treatment. These differences, though often overlooked, are crucial for developing targeted therapies in an era of precision medicine.

The data gap: A legacy of neglect

Even when women participate in clinical trials, they're frequently excluded due to hormonal fluctuations – a practice that ignores the reality of women's lives and skews data. This systemic bias extends to all stages of research. For example, male mice outnumber female mice five to one in scientific studies.⁴ This historical bias has led to significant gaps in our understanding of how diseases and treatments affect women differently, potentially compromising the efficacy and safety of treatments for half the population.

Progress and the path forward: A shift in the zeitgeist

While the challenges are significant, there are signs of progress. The increasing openness around previously taboo topics like menstrual health and menopause – driven by social movements and growing awareness – is welcome progress. Policy changes such as the NHS's first Women's Health Strategy⁵ mark crucial steps toward systemic change.

But progress isn't just about awareness or policy; it needs to translate into tangible improvements in research, diagnosis, and treatment. This is where the role of life sciences is pivotal.

Industry opportunity and responsibility: Beyond pinkwashing

Pharma companies have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in closing the gender health gap. This requires more than just "pinkwashing" existing products – a superficial rebranding that fails to address the underlying issues. It demands:

1. Targeted research: Investing in research specifically designed to understand women's health – from gynaecological conditions to female-specific manifestations of common diseases.
2. Patient-centric approach: Actively engaging with women by listening to their experiences and incorporating their perspectives into drug development from the beginning.
3. Education and awareness: Contributing to public health education campaigns that normalise conversations around women's health and empower women to advocate for their own well-being.
4. Cross-sector partnerships: Collaborating with healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups to create comprehensive solutions.

The business case: Doing well by doing good

Investing in women's health isn't just ethically sound; it's smart business. Women represent half the global population, and their health needs are vastly underserved. The global women's health market was valued at $41 billion in 2023⁶ and is projected to reach $66 billion by 2033.

Beyond direct market opportunities, improving women's health has societal benefits too – women are often primary healthcare decision-makers for their families. Addressing issues like menopause could also boost workplace productivity; unmanaged menopause symptoms alone are estimated to cost the UK economy up to £10 billion annually.⁶

Beyond tokenism: A call to action

The pharmaceutical industry must move beyond token gestures and embrace genuine commitments to women's health by prioritising research and engaging with women as partners in their care.

The time for incremental change is over – we need a paradigm shift that recognises women's unique health needs while building systems that serve everyone equitably.

The pharmaceutical industry stands at a crossroads: will it seize this opportunity to revolutionise healthcare for half the world's population? It's time to bridge the gender health gap, not just because it's right, but because it's essential for society's future.

About the author

Dominic (‘Dom’) Elliston is the current president of Europe for Inizio Evoke Communications, bringing more than 25 years of direct experience and expertise. Inizio Evoke Comms includes Incisive Health and the legacy brands of Galliard and Evoke Kyne. Elliston originally joined Galliard in 2002 after gaining a PhD in Oncology/Haematology from Imperial College London, UK. He also holds a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Bristol, UK, and a Diploma in public relations from the London School of Public Relations. Elliston serves as ‘scientific counsel’ for the company, with significant experience across a range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, diabetes, diagnostics, devices, gene therapy, haematology, oncology, pain, precision medicine, rare diseases, respiratory, urology, virology, and women’s health.