87. The Little Pink Pill & The Big Fight for Women’s Sexual Health

Cindy Eckert, CEO and Founder of Sprout Pharmaceuticals, made history by bringing Addyi — the first and only FDA-approved drug for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women, also known as low libido — to market. In 2015, Eckert sold Sprout Pharmaceuticals for a record-breaking $1 billion. She later fought to reacquire the company and reclaim control of Addyi to continue her mission of breaking down barriers in women’s sexual health and fighting for gender equity in healthcare.

In today’s conversation, Cindy shares her relentless mission to address gender inequity in medicine by bringing Addyi to the market. We explore the challenges she faced in the male-dominated pharmaceutical industry and her successful fight to reclaim her company. We uncover the complexities of female sexual health, the brain's crucial role in desire, and the societal biases that have historically marginalized women's needs. Later, we explore the ongoing changes in the pharmaceutical space, like the FDA's potential expansion of Addyi’s use for postmenopausal women, and celebrate the strides being made toward prioritizing women's health.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How the brain's role is crucial in understanding female sexual desire.

• Why Cindy's work demystifies misconceptions about female sexual health.

• How societal biases have historically undermined women's sexual health needs.

• Why collaborative patient-provider relationships are vital for effective treatments.

• How Addyi evolved from a mood medication to a treatment for female sexual function.

• Why there's anticipation for FDA's expansion of Addyi's use for postmenopausal women.

• How personalized care is revolutionizing women's healthcare and addressing unmet medical needs.

• Why cultural shifts are crucial for improving women's sexual wellness and well-being.

• How societal norms and biases continue to challenge women's health advancements.

• Why addressing relationship dynamics is essential for the success of medications like Addyi.

• How Cindy reacquired Sprout Pharmaceuticals to ensure Addyi's accessibility.

• How Addyi's safety and effectiveness are demonstrated through extensive clinical trials.

ADDYI is for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past, and who have low sexual desire no matter the type of sexual activity, the situation or the sexual partner. The low sexual desire is troubling to them and is not due to a medical or mental health problem, problems in the relationship or medicine or other drug use. ADDYI is not for use in men or to enhance sexual performance. Your risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting is increased if you drink 1-2 standard alcoholic drinks close in time to your ADDYI dose. Wait at least 2 hours after drinking before taking ADDYI at bedtime. Your risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting is also increased if you take certain prescription, over the counter or herbal medications, or have liver problems. Low blood pressure and fainting can happen when you take ADDYI even if you don’t drink alcohol or take other medicines. Do not take if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ADDYI. Allergic reactions may include hives, itching or trouble breathing. Sleepiness, sometimes serious, can occur. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, tiredness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and dry mouth. See full PI and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning at addyi.com/pi or call 844-PINK-PILL.

Addyi website: https://addyi.com

Cindy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindypinkceo

Follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexiyoonp or visit us at https://www.yoodirecthealth.com