A Shared Dedication to Advancing Women’s Health
How two scientists are pushing boundaries around the world
February 7, 2025
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are significant health conditions that impact millions of women in their reproductive years, yet are often overlooked and under-researched.1,2 In Finland, two Organon scientists are committed to changing this reality and bringing hope to women around the world. Kaisa Illikainen, Associate Principal Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry, and Jasmin Tiala, Associate Director and Lab Team Lead at Organon R&D Finland, have unique stories that are woven together by a shared commitment to making a difference in women’s lives.
A Molecule Targeting PCOS
Kaisa Illikainen, Associate Principal Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry
For Kaisa, her career began at the intersection of chemistry and biology. “I wanted to understand how molecules behave in biological settings and figure out how I could design a molecule that interferes with the biological mechanism to potentially cure a disease,” Kaisa says. Her journey, marked by determination and skill, led her to design and synthesize a molecule targeting PCOS. “After seeing the biological data, I realized it was a promising molecule that needed to be characterized further.”
Jasmin discovered her passion for science through engineering. “I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to know how things work,” she says. Her curiosity and ability to think outside the box propelled her into a leadership role in early-stage drug discovery. With her oversight, her team has been involved in the development of a compound for the potential treatment of endometriosis and another for PCOS.
Jasmin Tiala, Associate Director and Lab Team Lead
A Collaborative Commitment to Improving Women’s Health
Both Kaisa and Jasmin have emphasized the importance of collaboration in these efforts to drive enhancements in women’s health. “We’re a small group from Finland, and we’re working to deliver new innovations that could one day become a potential treatment option for women,” Kaisa notes. Jasmin echoes her sentiment, highlighting the dynamic environment she promotes as a leader. “It’s inspiring to be a leader and see how the people on my team are collaborating and coming up with new ways of doing things. My role is to help them deliver their best.”
Through their work, Kaisa and Jasmin are contributing to a shift in focus, ensuring women’s voices and health concerns are a priority.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Both scientists are aware of the importance of role models who encourage women to pursue careers in science. Kaisa, who once looked up to accomplished female scientists as her inspiration, now finds herself in that role. “I try to explain to younger girls that I started from a similar place. I wasn’t always a scientist or a chemistry student, but I grew and learned new things that made this all possible,” she says. Jasmin offers similar advice: “You have to believe in yourself. Be curious about things and open-minded—that will help you overcome obstacles and seize new opportunities.”
Their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of representation in science. As Kaisa reflects, “It’s exciting to think I can use my skills to discover drugs and enhance people’s lives.”
A Vision for Better Treatment for Women
Kaisa and Jasmin are helping pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future for women everywhere. Looking ahead, both women share a vision of a world where women’s health is prioritized and better understood. “PCOS and endometriosis are both diseases where a better understanding of them could lead to safer and effective treatments,” Jasmin says. “I am hopeful that the innovative work that we are doing in Finland will have the potential to help women across the globe.”