Cindy Eckert

Cindy Eckert, CEO and Founder of Sprout Pharmaceuticals, made history by bringing Addyi — the first and only FDA-approved drug for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women, also known as low libido — to market. In 2015, Eckert sold Sprout Pharmaceuticals for a record-breaking $1 billion. She later fought to reacquire the company and reclaim control of Addyi to continue her mission of breaking down barriers in women’s sexual health and fighting for gender equity in healthcare. As a celebrated entrepreneur and fierce advocate for women’s sexual health with over 25 years of experience in sexual wellness and pharmaceuticals, Eckert’s impact extends beyond pharmaceuticals - she is known for her bold approach to business, commitment to fighting gender bias in medicine, and her fierce advocacy for women’s health innovation. Eckert, who has made “the little pink pill” a personal lifestyle, has no plans to stop challenging inequities in healthcare. On the heels of the 10 year anniversary of Addyi’s initial FDA approval for the treatment of premenopausal women, Addyi is also FDA approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women as of December 2025. Eckert, a 2026 TIME100 Health honoree, was also the subject of a Paramount+ independent award-winning documentary, called “The Pink Pill”. The film examines Eckert's fight to advance standards of care for women ignited a wider reckoning of double standards in medicine.