Agnès Arbat, CEO of fertility-focused biotech Oxolife, has been named one of this year’s recipients of the European Union Women Innovators Prize. She was awarded during the European Innovation Council (EIC) Summit held in Brussels at the start of the month (April 2025).

The prize, open to women founders and co-founders in EU member states and Horizon Europe-associated countries, recognizes individuals who have launched successful businesses and brought new innovations to market. Arbat receives €100,000 as part of the award.

She leads Oxolife, a biotech company based in Barcelona, focused on improving live birth rates by enhancing embryo implantation for women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). The company’s lead candidate, OXO-001, is a first-in-class, non-hormonal oral therapy designed to act directly on the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. It has shown promise in increasing embryo implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates among women undergoing IVF or ICSI procedures.

OXO-001 has completed Phase 2 trials in its initial indication and is preparing for Phase 2 studies in a second, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where early results indicate it may restore ovulation and improve fertility.

With over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, Arbat has held leadership roles in clinical development and medical affairs at major healthcare companies including Bayer and Organon. She has overseen more than 20 clinical studies and contributed to the launch of over 10 pharmaceutical products.

In addition to her executive role, Arbat teaches on master’s programmes at the Pompeu Fabra University and the International University of Catalonia and holds a medical degree with a specialty in clinical pharmacology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

Industry peers welcomed the recognition. Sara Secall, general partner at investment firm Inveready, called the award “well-deserved,” highlighting the unmet need in women’s health and Arbat’s contribution to advancing fertility treatments.

The EIC Women Innovators Prize aims to spotlight female entrepreneurs leading breakthrough innovations in science and technology across Europe.