UCC spins out science-led women’s health company FemmeBiome

18 Aug 2026

University College Cork (UCC) has announced the spin-out of FemmeBiome, a science-led women’s health company developing microbiome-based products designed specifically for women and informed by clinical research and women’s lived experiences.  Emerging from research conducted at APC Microbiome Ireland and founded by Siobhain O’Mahony, Professor of Neurobiology at UCC, FemmeBiome builds on more than two decades of research into the microbiome-gut-brain axis and its role in women’s health.

Professor O’ Mahony and her team identified differences in how the gut microbiome responds to stress in women and men, particularly involving the estrobolome, a group of gut bacteria involved in oestrogen metabolism. This led the team to explore how changes in the gut microbiome during periods of hormonal transition may influence women’s health and wellbeing.

More than two decades of research

To better understand women’s experiences during these transitions, FemmeBiome collaborated with Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) to survey women aged 45-55 on their experiences, receiving more than 120 responses in just two days. Participants were invited to take part in focus groups to better understand the symptoms having the greatest impact on their lives. Six of the most troublesome and commonly reported symptoms in the survey were brain related, with sleep disturbance, anxiety and brain fog among the most frequently cited. These insights, combined with the team’s deep microbiome research expertise, informed the development of FemmeBiome’s first product.

The potential to bring these findings to market led to the development of FemmeBiome at UCC. The project secured support through Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund, enabling the team to further develop the research, clinically validate the product and explore its commercial potential. More recently, FemmeBiome participated in Food Works, an accelerator programme for Irish food and drink start-ups.

FemmeBiome’s first product, MoreMe, is a targeted synbiotic gut health supplement designed to support women during perimenopause and menopause. Pre-sales for the product will open on World Menopause Day, 18 October 2026. The company is also developing a pipeline of additional products, which will suppport women at different stages of life.  

FemmeBiome, which received over €700,000 in feasibility and commercialisation grant funding from Enterprise Ireland, is now supported by Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF). The company is seeking seed investment to support its next phase of growth, with the funding round expected to close by the end of 2026.

Translating world-leading microbiome research

The launch of FemmeBiome highlights the potential of UCC research to move from fundamental discovery to commercial application, creating new opportunities to translate world-leading microbiome research into products addressing unmet needs in women’s health.

Professor Siobhain O’Mahony, Founder and CEO of FemmeBiome said: “FemmeBiome is built on a simple belief: women deserve health solutions designed for women. For too long, women’s biology has been an afterthought in how supplements are researched and developed. Our hormones, microbiome and responses to stress are different, and our health solutions should reflect that. It is time to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Women deserve products grounded in their biology, backed by rigorous science and developed specifically for them. Launching MoreMe is an incredibly proud moment - but it is only the beginning.”

Dr Sally Cudmore, Director, UCC Innovation added: “We are delighted to see FemmeBiome spin out of UCC and look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth and international scaling. FemmeBiome is an excellent example of how research at UCC can be translated into products that address real societal needs. It’s encouraging to see the team’s commitment to inspiring and supporting the next generation of women scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. We wish Professor O’Mahony and the FemmeBiome team continued success.”

Professor Paul Ross, Director, APC Microbiome Ireland, welcomed the news: “FemmeBiome shows how strong microbiome science can move from discovery to impact. Siobhain and the team have built this company on rigorous research, clinical insight and a clear focus on women’s health. At APC Microbiome Ireland, we are proud to see this work develop into a UCC spin-out with the potential to make a meaningful difference for women’s health. It is also a strong example of how research can create both societal and economic value when the right supports are in place.”

Women interested in learning more about MoreMe and registering for pre-sale can find further information on the FemmeBiome website.