Estrigenix Therapeutics, Inc., together with the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Research Foundation, Inc. (UWMRF), Marquette University, and CU Ventures, Inc., today announced the execution of an exclusive license agreement supporting the development of a novel therapeutic platform designed to address the mental and physical effects of menopause.
MILWAUKEE, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Estrigenix Therapeutics, Inc., together with the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Research Foundation, Inc. (UWMRF), Marquette University, and CU Ventures, Inc., today announced the execution of an exclusive license agreement supporting the development of a novel therapeutic platform designed to address the mental and physical effects of menopause.
Under the terms of the agreement, Estrigenix has obtained exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize a portfolio of selective estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) small molecules. In return, UWMRF, Marquette University, and CU Ventures will be eligible to receive milestone-based payments and royalties tied to the advancement and commercialization of the technology.
Estrigenix was founded through a scientific collaboration among Dr. Karyn Frick, Distinguished Professor and Associate Department Chair of Psychological & Brain Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Chief Scientific Officer of Estrigenix; Dr. Bill Donaldson, Professor Emeritus at Marquette University and President and Senior Vice President of Chemistry at Estrigenix; and Dr. Dan Sem, Chief Technology Officer of Estrigenix. Together, their research has helped establish the scientific foundation for the company's therapeutic platform.
In March 2026, Victoria Zellmer, Ph.D., joined Estrigenix as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company's next phase of growth and development.
"Women have waited long enough for better menopausal care, and Estrigenix was built to answer that call," said Victoria Zellmer, Ph.D., CEO of Estrigenix Therapeutics. "This agreement marks a significant milestone for our company and reflects the strength of the science developed through years of collaboration. With support from three leading research institutions and a clear path toward commercialization, we are positioned to advance transformative therapeutic options for women navigating menopause."
"This partnership demonstrates the power of academic innovation to change lives and reflects our technology transfer mission – to translate discovery into products that serve the public. By bringing together the expertise of Marquette, UW–Milwaukee, and Concordia, we have advanced and de-risked promising science into a platform ready for commercialization. We are excited to see these novel compounds progress into clinical trials and ultimately deliver new therapeutic options that improve the lives of women," said Kalpa Vithalani, Marquette's Executive Director of Technology Transfer.
Media Contact
Megan Shanley, Estrigenix Therapeutics, Inc., 1 262-910-4125, [email protected], estrigenix.com
SOURCE Estrigenix Therapeutics, Inc.
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