Conference Presentation, Fireside Chat, Interview
A Conversation with Former First Lady of the United States Jill Biden | Global Conference 2025
- Conference Context: The discussion occurred at the 28th annual Milken Institute Global Conference under the theme "Toward a Flourishing Future," specifically regarding the "Women's Health Network" initiative.
- Key Figures: Former First Lady and physician Dr. Jill Biden (now Chair of the Women's Health Network) conversed with Esther Kroffa, Executive Vice President of Milken Institute Health.
- Historical Data Gaps in Research:
- Women were excluded from clinical research studies prior to 1993.
- Research on female animals (as opposed to male models) only began in 2016.
- Current research often fails to account for biological differences, such as small vessel disease in women versus large artery disease in men regarding heart attacks.
- White House Era Achievements (2015-2017):
- Infused $1 billion in federal funding to advance women's health research through the NIH and Department of Defense (DOD).
- Mandated the disaggregation of data to separate research results for women and men.
- De-risked investments to encourage private sector participation in high-risk areas.
- Established the "Women's Sprint to Women's Health" fast-track program.
- Appointed Dr. Carolyn M. M. (likely Carolyn M. K. or similar Yale affiliate) from Yale University to lead the program.
- Specific Medical Breakthroughs Enabled:
- Endometriosis: Developed a blood-based diagnostic test, reducing the previous "diagnostic odyssey" of up to 10 years.
- Migraines: Initiated targeted research into gender-specific causes, noting higher prevalence in women than men.
- Current Global Challenges:
- Economic Impact: Unaddressed women's health issues cost the U.S. economy over $2 billion annually due to workplace absenteeism (e.g., menopause).
- Disease Disproportionality:
- 80% of autoimmune diseases affect women disproportionately.
- Two-thirds of Alzheimer's cases are borne by women.
- Clinical Trial Gaps: Enrollment of women in clinical trials is insufficient, and progress in inclusion is sometimes being reversed.
- Data Silos: Fragmented information sharing persists despite the existence of global biomedical research networks; Abu Dhabi and Singapore cited as examples where data silos have been broken down more effectively.
- Stigma: Significant cultural barriers and stigma regarding women's health discussions exist in international markets (e.g., Asia).
- Women's Health Network Strategic Pillars:
- Digital Platform: Launch of a centralized digital infrastructure to share research data, resources, and best practices across silos.
- Pooled Investment Fund: Creation of a dedicated fund to provide capital for innovators, specifically those developing AI-driven diagnostics and imaging technologies.
- Campaigns: Execution of screening, education, and awareness initiatives to drive patient engagement.
- Market Opportunity:
- McKinsey and BCG data indicate addressing women's health represents a $1 trillion global opportunity.
- BCG estimates a $300 billion opportunity specifically from four key conditions.
- Strategic Call to Action:
- Private Sector Shift: With reduced federal involvement expected, the initiative relies on private equity and corporations to fill the funding gap and drive innovation.
- Reframing the Narrative: Women's health is not a niche category (menopause/ovarian health) but a universal imperative affecting all diseases (cardiovascular, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's) differently.
- Demographic Reality: As 51% of the population, women represent a critical market requiring inclusion in all health policies.
- Forward-Looking Statements:
- The initiative aims to affect millions of lives globally by 2025.
- The network intends to move beyond moral imperatives to business imperatives, urging companies to integrate women's health into core product development strategies.
- Goal to accelerate global innovation to prevent a future where half the population lives longer in poorer health.