Host-Directed, Hormone-Free Strategies to Prevent Long-Term Post-Infectious Vaginal and Mucosal Conditions

Fempharma is a women’s health micropharma developing host-directed, non-antimicrobial interventions aimed at preventing long-term post-infection sequelae affecting mucosal tissues.

A core focus is recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (rVVC)—a chronic, post-infectious condition affecting over 140 million women globally. Current antifungal strategies fail to prevent recurrence and may contribute to resistance. Fempharma’s zinc-based vaginal technologies target epithelial barrier repair, immune modulation, and restoration of mucosal homeostasis, addressing mechanisms underlying long-term symptom persistence.

Relevance to the call

• Post-infection long-term condition model (rVVC as a chronic sequela)

• Prevention-focused, non-antimicrobial approach

• Female-specific unmet medical need

• Translational pathway from mechanistic insight to clinical validation

Role in consortium

• Industrial SME partner

• Translational R&D and clinical validation lead

• Contribution to prevention strategies and mechanistic work packages

• Exploitation and scale-up planning