FT World explores the latest business developments in the world of women’s health.

Digital hub to support modern parents

Baby Dove has launched Nested, a new digital hub created in partnership with Peanut, the leading community app for mothers.

Informed by the rising “nesting” trend, where expecting mothers prepare a safe, comforting space before baby, Nested is an innovative initiative that brings expert care from Dove to new parents.

With Nested, Baby is redefining what support for new parents looks like today. A recent Baby Dove-commissioned survey revealed that 69 per cent of Gen-Z and Millennial first-time moms don’t feel prepared for motherhood.

The Nested hub offers a space for parents and family to connect; a dermatologist-tested and pediatrician-recommended lineup of Baby Dove essentials; a curated collection of resources such as a Doula Directory and research-backed articles; and a community chat forum for real talk among like-minded peers, providing parents with a virtual village of people they can relate to.

Tech-enabled, doula-led maternal health services launched

Maternity care solution provider Pacify has entered a collaboration with First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina, to deliver tech-enabled, doula-led wraparound maternal health services.

As part of the collaboration, pregnant members will receive care that addresses barriers to a healthy pregnancy and start to their baby’s life.

The services combine virtual and in-person pre- and post-delivery doula services with 24/7 lactation support designed to improve health outcomes. It is a comprehensive care model that offers professional guidance along the pregnancy journey to address challenges that expectant and new mothers face.

“By collaborating with Pacify, First Choice by Select Health will advance its commitment towards addressing disparities in maternal care by providing equitable access to culturally responsive support services,” said Select Health Market Chief Medical Officer Diego Martinez.

“We are able to offer our members access to evidence-based services that complement our existing programs, including Bright Start and Keys to Your Care, to help ensure healthier outcomes for mothers and infants across South Carolina.”

Universal Quantum to advance endometriosis drug discovery with quantum computing

Universal Quantum has announced that it has joined the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) to apply quantum computing to advance endometriosis drug discovery with quantum computing.

Universal Quantum will work with OQI collaborators to explore high-impact applications of quantum computing across healthcare, drug design, and climate science.

Its first proposed use case focuses on endometriosis, a debilitating condition affecting 10 per cent of women globally.

The project aims to investigate how quantum simulations can accelerate the discovery of non-hormonal, shelf-stable therapeutics, particularly for underserved populations in rural or economically developing regions.

Launched by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) in collaboration with the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU), CERN, and other international bodies, the OQI serves as a neutral platform to explore and support quantum use cases with global public benefit.

“This is a complex challenge that won’t be solved by quantum computing alone,” said Dr Sebastian Weidt, CEO and co-founder of Universal Quantum.

“We’re grateful to OQI and our collaborators for contributing essential domain knowledge. As we build the infrastructure for powerful quantum machines, we believe it’s equally important to work together to apply those systems in ways that advance science, society and shared prosperity.”

Nikon releases motorised inverted microscope for reproductive medicine

Nikon has announced the launch of the ECLIPSE Ti2-I Motorised Inverted Microscope for ICSI1/IMSI2, specifically designed for use in micro-insemination (IVF).

This new microscope system is designed to improve efficiency and speed by reducing the steps required for operation in IVF procedures by approximately 75 per cent.

In the United States, the workload of embryology and infertility treatment regimens continues to rise in response to falling fertility and birth rates. While the workload of embryologists has increased with the rise in the number of infertility treatments, improved accuracy in their work remains a critical factor. The new ECLIPSE Ti2-I microscope is specifically designed to aid in the efficiency as this work becomes ever more vital.

The microscope enables up to 75 per cent reduction of the steps required for microscope operation for improved efficiency of the micro-insemination workflow; user-friendly design to help reduce errors; and bright and clear observation with Nikon’s unique optical technology.

FDA grants priority review for Addyi

Sprout Pharmaceuticals’ Addyi (flibanserin 100mg) has been granted Priority Review by the FDA – making it the first and only FDA-approved pill for low sexual desire in women to also include women who have gone through menopause.

Addyi originally received FDA approval for premenopausal women. After reviewing its robust safety and efficacy profile, Health Canada also approved Addyi with expanded use in women that have gone through menopause. Now the FDA has the data to potentially do the same.

If approved, the updated Addyi label will mark a major shift toward inclusive, life-stage-spanning innovation in sexual health, recognising that women deserve options no matter their age.

Review period for menopause hot flash treatment extended

The FDA has extended the review period for the New Drug Application (NDA) for Bayer’s elinzanetant.

The treatment is the first neurokinin 1 and neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist in late-stage clinical development for the hormone-free treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause.

The FDA has determined additional time is needed for a full review of the NDA submission, including information provided to support the application. The extension to the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) review period is up to 90 days. The FDA did not raise any concern regarding the general approvability of elinzanetant in its correspondence.

Overture Life appoints Matt Combs as COO to lead scale-up of IVF automation technology

Automated IVF technology company, Overture Life – which delivered the first live births in the world from automated fertilisation and egg freezing – has announced the appointment of Matthew Combs as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

Combs joins Overture to drive global expansion amid rising domestic and international demand for IVF automation technology that directly addresses the embryologist shortages worldwide.

In the newly created role, Combs will lead the company’s global commercialisation as it expands access to technology that automates fertilisation and egg freezing processes previously done by hand.

These include the ICSI.A, the world’s first robot for automated fertilisation, and the DaVitri, for automated, consistent, high-quality vitrification that will expand egg freezing beyond specialised IVF facilities. Combs will focus on scaling Overture Life’s fertility technologies to meet growing clinic demand.