The Pink Pill: A Journey Through Women's Sexual Health

Cindy Eckert, a woman with a passion for pink, is the CEO of Sprout Pharmaceuticals. Her company manufactures Addyi, a drug designed to aid women suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Dubbed the "little pink pill", Addyi differs from Viagra as it targets neurotransmitters rather than blood flow.

A Rocky Start

Eckert faced widespread criticism when she first sought FDA approval for Addyi. Critics accused her of medicalizing natural fluctuations in women's libido, while others dismissed her vibrant style as a distraction from scientific debates. When she sold her company for $1 billion, the new owners hiked the price and halted promotions, fueling accusations that she didn’t care about patients.

A Decade Later: A Cultural Shift

Today, over 30,000 doctors prescribe Addyi, with more than half a million prescriptions filled. Women are increasingly open about their sex lives, and Eckert’s drug is reaping the benefits. She believes culture has finally caught up with her vision.

The Journey Begins

Eckert’s mission started when she met Dr. Irwin Goldstein at a conference. He showed her videos of women from a flibanserin (Addyi’s active ingredient) trial, expressing distress at losing access to treatment. Inspired, she founded Sprout Pharmaceuticals with her then-husband, Bob Whitehead.

FDA Approval & Challenges

The FDA approved Addyi in 2015, but with strict regulations:

• Doctors and pharmacists needed special certification.
• Patients had to sign a waiver pledging no alcohol while on the drug.

However, Valeant (the company that acquired Sprout) collapsed within a year, leaving Eckert feeling like she had failed everyone.

Rebuilding & Regaining Control

In 2016, Sprout’s former investors sued Valeant for failing to market Addyi. Two years later, Valeant returned the company to Eckert in exchange for 6% royalties and a $25 million loan. Today, Sprout operates from a modest office, with a small, tight-knit team, including some of Eckert’s family.

A Changing Landscape

The cultural and regulatory environment has improved significantly:

• The FDA has lifted many restrictions on Addyi.
• Revenue is on track to double this year.
• Celebrities like Jennie Garth and Gwyneth Paltrow now support the drug.

Ongoing Skepticism & Legal Hurdles

Despite progress, skeptics remain:

• Some argue Addyi’s benefits over placebos are minimal.
• Others suggest alternative treatments exist.

Eckert has also faced regulatory issues, including FDA warning letters over misleading ads.

The Fight for Parity

Eckert is now pushing for insurance parity in covering women’s health drugs versus men’s. As Addyi gains prominence, potential acquirers have shown interest—but Eckert is reluctant to leave, especially now that her company is thriving.