Uteron Pharma

Uteron Pharma was a Belgian-based pharmaceutical development company specializing in innovative products for women's healthcare. The company was founded in 2010 as a spinoff from the University of Liege by co-founders Stijn Van Rompay, who served as Co-CEO, Professor Jean-Michel Foidart as Chief Scientific Officer, and Francois Fornieri as Co-CEO.

The company's business model was centered on research and development, building a diversified portfolio of products at various stages of development. This pipeline included hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), next-generation oral contraceptives, biochemical tests to improve in-vitro fertilization success rates, and treatments for cervical dysplasia. Uteron Pharma operated its own GMP-approved manufacturing and R&D facility in Grace-Hollogne, Belgium.

In a significant milestone, Uteron Pharma was acquired by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (later renamed Actavis) in January 2013. The deal was valued at $150 million in an upfront cash payment, with potential for up to $155 million in future milestone payments. This strategic acquisition was intended to expand Watson's global pipeline of women's health products, leveraging Uteron's development expertise and product portfolio, which included the contraceptive Estelle. Following the acquisition, Uteron's management team, including the founders, was set to continue managing the operations as a key part of Watson's women's health R&D division.

Keywords: women's health, pharmaceutical development, contraception, infertility, IUD, oral contraceptives, in-vitro fertilization, gynecology, hormonal therapy, drug development, Jean-Michel Foidart, Stijn Van Rompay, Francois Fornieri, University of Liege spinoff, Actavis acquisition, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Levosert, Estelle, female healthcare.