For decades, the healthcare system has had a glaring blind spot: women. Medicine has historically been tested, measured, and designed for men—the default body. But women aren’t just a smaller version of man—their biology is quite different. Hormones, metabolism, and body composition work differently. Yet somehow, medicine has largely ignored this fact.

Here’s the problem:

Women experience 1.5x to 1.7x more adverse drug reactions than men. (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2023)
Misdiagnoses of heart disease in women are common because they don’t always present with “typical male symptoms.”
Female patients often face delays in diagnosis because, let’s face it, their pain isn’t taken seriously.

Sounds unfair, right? That’s because it is. There’s no way to sugarcoat it, but before you lose hope, let’s talk about the good news: change is happening.

A handful of companies—AstraZeneca, Roche, and Takeda—are rewriting the playbook for healthcare. They’re proving that inclusive research isn’t just good science; it’s life-changing. These organizations aren’t just breaking the mould—they’re setting a new standard for what healthcare can and should be: inclusive, precise, and equitable.

Let’s take a closer look at the trailblazers making healthcare safer and more effective for everyone.

AstraZeneca: Advancing Gender-Specific Research

Building a Framework for Inclusion

You wouldn’t build a house without measuring the foundation, right? AstraZeneca applies this logic to healthcare by recognizing women’s biology as essential—not an afterthought.

AstraZeneca has developed a sex-inclusive research framework, recognizing that biological differences between men and women impact how drugs are metabolized and how treatments respond. For instance, their studies on cardiovascular drugs have included sex-specific analysis, reducing the gap in ADRs for women by 22% in trials since 2020 (AstraZeneca Annual Report, 2023).

Women’s Health Initiatives

AstraZeneca is also at the forefront of addressing conditions that predominantly affect women. One of their flagship programs targets ovarian cancer, where survival rates have improved by 15% among women receiving gender-specific treatment protocols.

Why It Matters:

Better research = better questions = better treatments. AstraZeneca isn’t just testing theories; they’re saving lives by putting women’s health front and center.

Roche: Leading the Way in Precision Medicine

Tailored Treatments Through Precision Medicine

Roche believes that healthcare should work for you, no matter who you are. They don’t follow the “average male physiology” approach. So, what do they do? Precision medicine that tailors treatment based on sex, biology, and individual needs.

Roche’s precision medicine initiatives have significantly improved outcomes for patients. For instance, in their oncology portfolio, personalized treatment plans for hormone-driven cancers like breast cancer have increased patient survival rates by 25% over the past decade (Roche Research Report, 2023). That is a big, big number, and it was possible by simply accepting that medicine & healthcare needs to be created keeping inclusivity in mind.

Inclusive Clinical Trials 

Roche ensures balanced representation in clinical trials, with female participation rates now exceeding 50% across multiple studies. This is a stark contrast to the industry average, where women have historically accounted for just 25% of cardiovascular research participants (Lancet, 2022).

Success Stories:

Roche’s commitment to understanding sex-specific responses has led to advancements in treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus, where women make up 90% of patients.
In clinical trials for lung cancer, women-specific biomarkers have improved diagnostic accuracy by 30%.

Why It Matters:

Roche’s commitment to precision medicine proves that inclusivity isn’t just ethical—it’s practical, creating a future for our families to live healthily, together.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals: A Holistic Approach to Gender Equity

Inclusive Clinical Trials

Takeda knows equity starts from within. From groundbreaking trials to empowering women in leadership, they’re showing that inclusive healthcare requires a holistic approach.

Takeda has increased female participation in its clinical trials to an industry-leading 52%. This ensures that medications are evaluated for their safety and efficacy across genders, improving outcomes for all patients (Takeda Impact Report, 2023).

Women’s Health Research 

Takeda’s focus on women’s health includes developing therapies for osteoporosis, a condition affecting 1 in 3 women globally. Their research has reduced the risk of fractures by 35% in treated patients, significantly improving quality of life.

Empowering Women in Healthcare

Through initiatives like the Gender Parity Network, Takeda has increased female representation in leadership roles by 40% in the past five years, setting an example for industries worldwide.

Why It Matters:

Takeda isn’t just treating symptoms—they’re changing systems. Their holistic approach shows that more than outcomes, gender equity is about processes. From empowering women in leadership to creating tailored treatments, Takeda is leading by example, creating a better tomorrow for us and our loved ones, no matter the gender.

Why Gender-Inclusive Healthcare Matters

Better Health Outcomes: Gender-specific diagnostics have improved detection rates of cardiovascular disease in women by 20% (European Heart Journal, 2023).

Economic Benefits: Misdiagnoses and adverse drug reactions cost the global healthcare system billions annually. Inclusive research can reduce these costs by $1.5 billion per year (Global Health Equity Report, 2024).

A Safer Future for All: Bridging gaps in healthcare ensures equitable treatment, saving lives and improving well-being across the board.

A Brighter Tomorrow

AstraZeneca, Roche, and Takeda aren’t waiting for the system to catch up. They’re proving that inclusive healthcare can be done—and is being done. When companies commit to gender-specific research, it’s not just a win for women. It’s a win for families, communities, and our future generations. Because fairness in healthcare isn’t about special treatment. It’s about accurate treatment.

So, let’s keep asking:

Is this research gender inclusive?
Are these treatments tested for everyone—women too?

What you can do about it:

The next time you get a prescription for  any woman in your life or yourself, ask about alternatives from these trailblazing companies.
Support these companies, so more companies would follow suit in creating inclusive medication.

Change doesn’t start with answers—it starts with questions. And when we get it right, we don’t just save lives. We build a healthier world for everyone.

Let’s get closer. Together.