Health Equity

Health disparities not only adversely affect women but also numerous underserved and minority populations. These health inequities can arise from many sources, such as poor access to quality care; educational inequalities; individual and behavioral factors; and environmental, social, economic, and cultural factors.2

Given the impact these factors have on health, pharma is both eager and well-positioned to deploy digital health solutions that can drive positive change and improve the lives of women and other underserved populations globally. By enhancing and scaling interventions, digital health has the potential to help every person “attain his or her full health potential”3  through improved access to care.

Solutions for Women’s Health and Health Equity

The Spring 2023 PharmStars cohort will focus on startups with pharma-focused digital innovations relating to women’s health or health equity.

We welcome startups that have digital innovations for women’s health conditions, including breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer; endometriosis and gynecological conditions; polycystic ovarian syndrome; osteoporosis and osteopenia; and menopausal, hormonal, and reproductive health conditions.

Startups may also have digital health solutions that address conditions that affect women disproportionately or for which women have inferior outcomes such as cardiovascular disease,4 Myasthenia Gravis,5 and others.6

We also welcome startups with digital innovations that address health inequities and promote equitable, inclusive healthcare by addressing social, economic, and environmental causes of health disparities.

Solutions of interest can include but are not limited to: