FemTech Focus – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, we talk to Irene Laurora, SVP of Scientific Affairs, and Flavia Mason, global VP of women’s health at Perrigo, a consumer health company. Their over the counter birth control, Opill, was the first to receive FDA approval in the US, a significant step towards decreasing barriers for women to access quality healthcare. Join us for a conversation where we discuss the societal role of hormonal birth control, Perrigo’s journey to securing FDA approval for Opill, and whether Opill is right for you.

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Guest bio

Irene Laurora is a pharmacist by training who has spent her career in the pharmaceutical industry working to build solutions that make people’s lives better and healthier. She currently serves as the SVP of Scientific Affairs at Perrigo, where she has played an instrumental role in the development of products like Opill.

Flavia Mason is the Global VP of Women’s Health at Perrigo. She came to this role after many years in corporate America, where she proved herself to be a strong leader and capable operator. She joined Perrigo to help improve women’s experiences when interacting with the healthcare system.

Organization bio

Perrigo is a consumer health company responsible for securing FDA approval for the first over the counter birth control in the US, the Opill. Perrigo is behind many of the personal health brands you may be familiar with and see at your local pharmacy. With the addition of the Opill, consumers are now able to walk into a pharmacy, big box retailer, or favorite e-commerce platform, and access hormonal birth control pills without doctor’s appointment or prescription. It is a massive step forward in reducing barriers to accessing healthcare for women.

FemTech Focus Podcast bio

The FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women’s Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.

FemHealth Insights bio

Led by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women’s health market.

 Time Stamps

[02:10] Flavia and Irene’s backgrounds

[09:38] Description of Perrigo and explanation of connection to women’s health

[12:45] What is Opill?

[16:02] Other forms of over the counter contraception

[20:20] Stats around unintended pregnancy in the US

[23:48] Effectiveness of OTC birth control

[29:38] The FDA approval process for Opill 

[32:12] How Perrigo is helping increase access to birth control 

[35:10] Is Opill right for you?

[37:12] Is OTC birth control new to the world? Or just new to the US? 

[38:50] Looking ahead: aspirations for Opill and Perrigo

 Episode Contributors

Irene Laurora 

LinkedIn: @Irene Laurora

Flavia Mason

LinkedIn: @Flavia Mason

 

Opill

Website: https://opill.com/

 

Dr. Brittany Barreto

LinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.

Twitter: @DrBrittB

Instagram: @drbrittanybarreto

 

FemTech Focus Podcast

Website: https://femtechfocus.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocus

Twitter: @FemTech_Focus

Instagram: @femtechfocus

 

FemHealth Insights

Website: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/

LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Gaia Salizzoni, founder of Hale, a community for women suffering from genito-pelvic pain, including vulvodynia. Her community is an important part of the care journey for patients going through treatment or dealing with genito-pelvic pain. Additionally, as an entrepreneur building a women’s health company in the EU, Gaia has a unique view into the advantages and difficulties building in Europe. Join us for a conversation where we discuss the Hale community, genito-pelvic pain, and the current state of women’s health innovation in the EU.

Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!

Guest bio

Gale Salizzoni is founder and CEO of Hale, a digital platform designed to help people living with genito-pelvic pain improve their quality of life. With a passion for women's health and a background in technology, Gaia founded Hale to provide support and resources for those navigating the challenges of pelvic and gynecologic pain. Through Hale, Gaia aims to empower individuals to better manage their condition and find relief from discomfort, fostering a community of understanding and support along the way.

Organization bio

Hale is a supportive community tailored for women experiencing genito-pelvic pain, offering a safe space for connection, understanding, and shared healing journeys. Through online forums, resources, and expert guidance, Hale provides women with the tools and solidarity to navigate their pain experiences with empowerment and resilience. With a focus on holistic well-being and destigmatization, Hale fosters a compassionate environment where women can find comfort, validation, and hope amidst their challenges.

FemTech Focus Podcast bio

The FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women’s Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.

FemHealth Insights bio

Led by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women’s health market.

Time Stamps

[02:00] Gaia’s background

[03:42] Founding story of Hale

[05:22] What is vulvodynia? What causes it? 

[08:57] How is vulvodynia treated? 

[10:02] How does physiotherapy help with vulvodynia? 

[13:13] The role of community in treating chronic pelvic pain

[15:18] What is Hale? 

[19:20] Who can access Hale? Where is it 

[22:08] FemTech in the EU

[28:10] Marketing censorship of women’s health companies in the EU

[28:36] Women’s Health trends and access to research funding in the EU vs US

[30:40] Advice for european entrepreneurs wanting to build in women’s health

Episode Contributors

Gaia Salizzoni

LinkedIn: @Gaia Salizzoni

Hale

Website: https://www.halecommunity.com/

LinkedIn: @Hale Community

Dr. Brittany Barreto

LinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.

Twitter: @DrBrittB

Instagram: @drbrittanybarreto

FemTech Focus Podcast

Website: https://femtechfocus.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocus

Twitter: @FemTech_Focus

Instagram: @femtechfocus

FemHealth Insights

Website: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/

LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

In this episode, we talk to Wendy Strgar, Founder and CEO of Good Clean Love, and Vaginal Biome Science. We discuss Wendy's companies, and what led her to create them, an Institute for Women's Health - will they or won't they - and the importance of getting to know your own vagina.

Remember to like, rate and subscribe and enjoy the episode!

Guest bio

Wendy Strgar is an award-winning entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Good Clean Love, a woman-owned B corporation and a pioneer in the organic personal care product industry.  She is also the founder and CEO of Vaginal Biome Science, a biotechnology company that develops vaginal microbiota-based therapies to protect and restore microbial health.  She was named in Top 25 Consumer HealthTech CEOs 2020  and has been recognized in the top 100 impact CEOs in 2022, 2021 and 2018.

Strgar's commitment to innovation lead to the development of patented BioMatched technology for women’s health. Strgar holds multiple US patents for Bio-Match technology, a leading scientific approach applying biomimicry to sexual health and hygiene products.

Organization bio

Good Clean Love products are distributed in more than 50,000 stores across the United States and Canada. As a leading sexual wellness brand, Good Clean Love products are found in top retailers such as Target, CVS, Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Walgreens and more. Its best-selling SKU is the #1 organic personal lubricant on the market.

Under Wendy’s leadership, Good Clean Love is a champion of sustainable business practices. In 2018, the company launched a carbon offset initiative; its flagship product, Almost Naked personal lubricant, became the first-ever Carbon Neutral intimacy product in the world. Good Clean Love is also one of the only personal care product brands whose products are packaged using bioplastic, a material made from recyclable sugar cane.

Good Clean Love was included in the prestigious Inc 5000 awards in 2022.  

FemTech Focus Podcast bio

The FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women’s Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.

FemHealth Insights bio

Led by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women’s health market.

Time Stamps

[04:18] Wendy’s background

[16:50] Good Clean Love?

[29:25] Microbiome Sequencing

[34:03] Transfer of bacteria in same-sex relationships

[38:31] Long term goal for Vaginal Biome Science

[41:28] NIH

[44:45] Getting involved with Wendy and Good Clean Love

Episode Contributors

Wendy Strgar

LinkedIn: @Wendy Strgar

 

Good Clean Love

Website: https://goodcleanlove.com/

LinkedIn: @Good Clean Love

Instagram: @goodcleanlove

TikTok: @goodcleanlove

YouTube: @GoodCleanLove  

 

Dr. Brittany Barreto

LinkedIn:  @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.

Twitter: @DrBrittB

Instagram: @drbrittanybarreto

 

FemTech Focus Podcast

Website: https://femtechfocus.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocus

Twitter: @FemTech_Focus

Instagram: @femtechfocus

 

FemHealth Insights

Website: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/

LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights

FemTech Focus is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to empower, equip, and bring together healthcare professionals, life-science entrepreneurs, and forward thinking investors to revolutionize women’s health and wellness. FemTech Focus elevates the FemTech industry through increased awareness, providing resources to FemTech founders, & creating opportunities to support FemTech startups through exposure, networking, and access to capital.The FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings femtech experts – including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders – on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as femtech) that are improving women’s health and wellness. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist, serial entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. While finishing her PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Brittany founded Pheramor, the first nationwide DNA-based dating app. She then embarked into venture capital as the Senior Venture Associate at Capital Factory and was tasked with launching the fund’s Houston branch. Brittany now has her sights on advancing women’s health. She is host of the FemTech Focus podcast which has 150+ episodes and 30 thousand downloads in 105 countries. Brittany is the co-founding partner of Coyote Ventures, a US-based venture fund investing in early-stage women’s health startups.

FemTech Focus is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to empower, equip, and bring together healthcare professionals, life-science entrepreneurs, and forward thinking investors to revolutionize women’s health and wellness. FemTech Focus elevates the FemTech industry through increased awareness, providing resources to FemTech founders, & creating opportunities to support FemTech startups through exposure, networking, and access to capital.The FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings femtech experts – including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders – on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as femtech) that are improving women’s health and wellness. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist, serial entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. While finishing her PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Brittany founded Pheramor, the first nationwide DNA-based dating app. She then embarked into venture capital as the Senior Venture Associate at Capital Factory and was tasked with launching the fund’s Houston branch. Brittany now has her sights on advancing women’s health. She is host of the FemTech Focus podcast which has 150+ episodes and 30 thousand downloads in 105 countries. Brittany is the co-founding partner of Coyote Ventures, a US-based venture fund investing in early-stage women’s health startups.

FemTech Focus is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to empower, equip, and bring together healthcare professionals, life-science entrepreneurs, and forward thinking investors to revolutionize women’s health and wellness. FemTech Focus elevates the FemTech industry through increased awareness, providing resources to FemTech founders, & creating opportunities to support FemTech startups through exposure, networking, and access to capital.The FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings femtech experts – including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders – on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as femtech) that are improving women’s health and wellness. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist, serial entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. While finishing her PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Brittany founded Pheramor, the first nationwide DNA-based dating app. She then embarked into venture capital as the Senior Venture Associate at Capital Factory and was tasked with launching the fund’s Houston branch. Brittany now has her sights on advancing women’s health. She is host of the FemTech Focus podcast which has 150+ episodes and 30 thousand downloads in 105 countries. Brittany is the co-founding partner of Coyote Ventures, a US-based venture fund investing in early-stage women’s health startups.

FemTech Focus is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to empower, equip, and bring together healthcare professionals, life-science entrepreneurs, and forward thinking investors to revolutionize women’s health and wellness. FemTech Focus elevates the FemTech industry through increased awareness, providing resources to FemTech founders, & creating opportunities to support FemTech startups through exposure, networking, and access to capital.The FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings femtech experts – including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders – on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as femtech) that are improving women’s health and wellness. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist, serial entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. While finishing her PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Brittany founded Pheramor, the first nationwide DNA-based dating app. She then embarked into venture capital as the Senior Venture Associate at Capital Factory and was tasked with launching the fund’s Houston branch. Brittany now has her sights on advancing women’s health. She is host of the FemTech Focus podcast which has 150+ episodes and 30 thousand downloads in 105 countries. Brittany is the co-founding partner of Coyote Ventures, a US-based venture fund investing in early-stage women’s health startups.

FemTech Focus is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to empower, equip, and bring together healthcare professionals, life-science entrepreneurs, and forward thinking investors to revolutionize women’s health and wellness. FemTech Focus elevates the FemTech industry through increased awareness, providing resources to FemTech founders, & creating opportunities to support FemTech startups through exposure, networking, and access to capital.The FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings femtech experts – including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders – on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as femtech) that are improving women’s health and wellness. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist, serial entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. While finishing her PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Brittany founded Pheramor, the first nationwide DNA-based dating app. She then embarked into venture capital as the Senior Venture Associate at Capital Factory and was tasked with launching the fund’s Houston branch. Brittany now has her sights on advancing women’s health. She is host of the FemTech Focus podcast which has 150+ episodes and 30 thousand downloads in 105 countries. Brittany is the co-founding partner of Coyote Ventures, a US-based venture fund investing in early-stage women’s health startups.

FemTech Focus is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded to empower, equip, and bring together healthcare professionals, life-science entrepreneurs, and forward thinking investors to revolutionize women’s health and wellness. FemTech Focus elevates the FemTech industry through increased awareness, providing resources to FemTech founders, & creating opportunities to support FemTech startups through exposure, networking, and access to capital.The FemTech Focus Podcast with Dr. Brittany Barreto is a meaningfully provocative conversational series that brings femtech experts – including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders – on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as femtech) that are improving women’s health and wellness. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist, serial entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. While finishing her PhD in Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, Brittany founded Pheramor, the first nationwide DNA-based dating app. She then embarked into venture capital as the Senior Venture Associate at Capital Factory and was tasked with launching the fund’s Houston branch. Brittany now has her sights on advancing women’s health. She is host of the FemTech Focus podcast which has 150+ episodes and 30 thousand downloads in 105 countries. Brittany is the co-founding partner of Coyote Ventures, a US-based venture fund investing in early-stage women’s health startups.

In today’s episode, I interview Etta Watts-Russell the Founder and CEO of Lactamo. Lactamo is a specialized ball specifically designed and developed to facilitate and promote breastfeeding. Lactamo harnesses the power of breast massage, compression, heating, and cooling. Breast massage and temperature may be helpful in providing relief for the most common breastfeeding challenges. Lacatamo helps clear blocked ducts, relieve swelling and pain, fight off infection, stimulate milk production and flow and aid the let-down reflex. Check out the lactamo ball at www.lactamo.com