The Milken Institute has launched a new Women’s Health Network aimed at accelerating breakthroughs in women’s health research, with former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden joining as its Chair.
The initiative will serve as a global collaborative to advance efforts across the women’s health ecosystem, bringing together experts from business, health, and philanthropy sectors. According to the Milken Institute, women’s health has faced decades of underinvestment despite women comprising half the U.S. population and nearly half the workforce.
“From endometriosis to healthy aging, the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research made important investments in research and development, while making clear it will take collaboration across industries to bring these innovations to scale,” said Dr. Biden. “I am honored to join the Milken Institute as we unite leaders around a shared mission: for women everywhere to benefit from the lifesaving, world-changing research we know is possible.”
Dr. Biden previously led the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, described as a first-of-its-kind effort that changed the national approach to funding research on women’s health.
The network aims to promote collaboration among stakeholders including research institutions, start-ups, corporations, investors, policymakers, patient organizations, health systems, and philanthropists. It will facilitate engagement and financing across public and private sectors to optimize access to research, infrastructure, and services for women.
“The Milken Institute is grateful for Dr. Biden’s leadership during her tenure in the White House and her steadfast commitment to championing investment in women’s health. We are so pleased she will join us as we launch and grow the Women’s Health Network,” said Esther Krofah, Executive Vice President, Milken Institute Health. “Data shows that women’s health faces persistent underinvestment in research and innovation across many disease conditions that affect women uniquely, differently, or disproportionately. However, we know progress is possible and it can be achieved through partnerships in the Network that can transform women’s health and well-being for years to come.”
According to the announcement, the Women’s Health Network will establish three key initiatives this year: a digital platform to accelerate data-sharing and resource collection; infrastructure for a pooled investment fund to support researchers and innovators; and proof-of-concept projects that support the women’s health innovation ecosystem.
