Women’s health is advancing, but major systemic gaps remain

Women’s health is advancing, but major systemic gaps remain

Interest in new medicines and health technologies for women is growing, but experts say the sector still faces major challenges, including limited funding, data gaps and weaknesses in clinical research.

According to the World Economic Forum, companies focused exclusively on women’s health received less than 1% of private healthcare investment between 2020 and 2025.

At the same time, the WEF estimates that every $1 invested in women’s health could generate around $3 in economic benefit.

A major concern is the way medicines are studied. Many widely used drugs have historically been tested more often in men, and around 72% of clinical trials currently do not report outcomes separately by sex.

This can make it harder to understand whether a medicine’s safety or effectiveness differs between women and men.

Experts also highlighted the lack of data on medicine use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Funding remains another key barrier. Specialists say women’s health startups should have access to a wider range of financing options, including venture capital, grants and debt funding.

Overall, progress is being made, but experts say true health equity will require better research, stronger data, more investment and wider access to new health technologies for women.