BioMed X has launched XFem Labs, a women’s health research and development accelerator in Heidelberg, Germany. The initiative is supported by a $2 million grant from the Gates Foundation.
The first research project focuses on developing non-hormonal contraceptives, particularly for women in low- and middle-income countries. The project, titled “New Strategies for Female-Controlled Non-Hormonal Contraception,” addresses the needs of 257 million women worldwide who face barriers to contraceptive access.
Current hormonal contraceptives are associated with side effects including changes in bleeding patterns, resulting in high discontinuation rates. Non-hormonal, female-controlled alternatives remain limited.
The project invites proposals exploring new biological targets, molecular mechanisms, or delivery modalities for continuous or on-demand non-hormonal contraception. Selected researchers will participate in a boot camp at BioMed X before incubating a research team in Heidelberg.
“Our joint goal with the Gates Foundation is to create a significant impact on the lives and health of women world-wide,” said Dr. Christian Tidona, CEO of BioMed X. “Together with an international network of top experts and key opinion leaders, we will jointly build and mentor new outstanding research teams who will strive to solve some of the most pressing challenges in women’s health.”
BioMed X operates research institutes in Heidelberg, Germany, and New Haven and Ridgefield, Connecticut. The organization is embedded within academic environments at the University of Heidelberg and Yale, and within pharmaceutical company R&D campuses.
