OMG it's OTC: Opill the First FDA Approved Over the Counter Birth Control - Episode 235

FemTech Focus

In this episode, we talk to Irene Laurora, SVP of Scientific Affairs, and Flavia Mason, global VP of women’s health at Perrigo, a consumer health company. Their over the counter birth control, Opill, was the first to receive FDA approval in the US, a significant step towards decreasing barriers for women to access quality healthcare. Join us for a conversation where we discuss the societal role of hormonal birth control, Perrigo’s journey to securing FDA approval for Opill, and whether Opill is right for you.

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Guest bio

Irene Laurora is a pharmacist by training who has spent her career in the pharmaceutical industry working to build solutions that make people’s lives better and healthier. She currently serves as the SVP of Scientific Affairs at Perrigo, where she has played an instrumental role in the development of products like Opill.

Flavia Mason is the Global VP of Women’s Health at Perrigo. She came to this role after many years in corporate America, where she proved herself to be a strong leader and capable operator. She joined Perrigo to help improve women’s experiences when interacting with the healthcare system.

Organization bio

Perrigo is a consumer health company responsible for securing FDA approval for the first over the counter birth control in the US, the Opill. Perrigo is behind many of the personal health brands you may be familiar with and see at your local pharmacy. With the addition of the Opill, consumers are now able to walk into a pharmacy, big box retailer, or favorite e-commerce platform, and access hormonal birth control pills without doctor’s appointment or prescription. It is a massive step forward in reducing barriers to accessing healthcare for women.

FemTech Focus Podcast bio

The FemTech Focus Podcast is brought to you by FemHealth Insights, the leader in Women’s Health market research and consulting. In this show, Dr. Brittany Barreto hosts meaningfully provocative conversations that bring FemTech experts - including doctors, scientists, inventors, and founders - on air to talk about the innovative technology, services, and products (collectively known as FemTech) that are improving women's health and wellness. Though many leaders in FemTech are women, this podcast is not specifically about female founders, nor is it geared toward a specifically female audience. The podcast gives our host, Dr. Brittany Barreto, and guests an engaging, friendly environment to learn about the past, present, and future of women’s health and wellness.

FemHealth Insights bio

Led by a team of analysts and advisors who specialize in female health, FemHealth Insights is a female health-specific market research and analysis firm, offering businesses in diverse industries unparalleled access to the comprehensive data and insights needed to illuminate areas of untapped potential in the nuanced women’s health market.

Time Stamps

[02:10] Flavia and Irene’s backgrounds

[09:38] Description of Perrigo and explanation of connection to women’s health

[12:45] What is Opill?

[16:02] Other forms of over the counter contraception

[20:20] Stats around unintended pregnancy in the US

[23:48] Effectiveness of OTC birth control

[29:38] The FDA approval process for Opill

[32:12] How Perrigo is helping increase access to birth control

[35:10] Is Opill right for you?

[37:12] Is OTC birth control new to the world? Or just new to the US?

[38:50] Looking ahead: aspirations for Opill and Perrigo

Episode Contributors

Irene Laurora

LinkedIn: @Irene Laurora

Flavia Mason

LinkedIn: @Flavia Mason

Opill

Website: https://opill.com/

Dr. Brittany Barreto

LinkedIn: @Brittany Barreto, Ph.D.

Twitter: @DrBrittB

Instagram: @drbrittanybarreto

FemTech Focus Podcast

Website: https://femtechfocus.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femtechfocus

Twitter: @FemTech_Focus

Instagram: @femtechfocus

FemHealth Insights

Website: https://www.femhealthinsights.com/

LinkedIn: @FemHealth Insights