Sebela Pharmaceuticals launches women’s health division to develop IUD platform

The US pharmaceutical company Sebela has announced a new division dedicated to women’s health to develop an IUD platform.

Sebela Women’s Health, which will be led by Dr Kelly Culwell, aims to contribute towards innovative solutions in the women’s health space.

Culwell’s appointment as head of research and development for the division comes as the company is approaching the final stages of clinical development of two contraceptive intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Sebela Women’s Health is developing an IUD platform that will include both a hormonal and hormone-free IUD option to better suit women’s needs and improve patient experience.

“We are very pleased to officially announce Sebela Women’s Health and consider ourselves fortunate to be able to add an expert of Dr Culwell’s caliber to our executive team,” said Alan Cooke, president and CEO of Sebela.

“Sebela has made significant contributions to the gastroenterological community toward improved patient experience, and we fully intend to also contribute significant innovative solutions in the women’s health space.”

Prior to joining Sebela, Culwell was senior vice president and CEO at Afaxys, Inc, where she led the company’s drug research and development programmes.

Following her appointment, she said: “I am delighted to join Sebela Women’s Health and I look forward to working with the team to enrich the health and wellbeing of women, and the lives of those who care about them.

“In addition to my training as a women’s health physician, I have had the unique opportunity to work in both global and US public health settings as well as in private industry.

“I hope to bring these learnings to the development of next-generation products with innovative features that acknowledge and prioritise the needs of women today.”

Dr Culwell was previously an assistant professor at University of California at Davis and held a position at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland as a medical officer/research assistant professor.

She also worked for Evofem Biosciences where she oversaw clinical trials and regulatory approval for a recently approved women’s contraceptive product.