de Mello Gindri’s company named bio meds Brasil produces hormonal and nonhormonal absorbable medications for more than 50,000 patients. Hormone replacement pellets produce target hormones such as testosterone, estradiol, estriol and oxytocin, and the steroid gestrinone, which is used to treat conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding. The nonhormonal medications include NAD⁺, a coenzyme used to slow the effects of aging; tadalafil, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate and high blood pressure; an anastrozole, a molecule used to inhibit conversion of testosterone into estradiol; and metformin, which is used to treat insulin resistance and other clinical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Though she graduated in 2016, de Mello Gindri’s impact is still felt at UT Dallas. Her work was instrumental in the establishment of a new research line in the Rodrigues laboratory.

“Combining her background in pharmacy, chemistry and bioengineering, she contributed to the development of novel coatings for dental and orthopedic implants,” Rodrigues said. “This work has resulted in multiple publications, a patent and federal funding.”

“I knew she would return to Brazil and make a difference! I am proud of her achievements as a graduate student and now as a CEO, but personally, I think the most remarkable attributes that define Dr. de Mello Gindri are her courage, perseverance and creativity. I hope her story continues to inspire the new generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and international students.”

de Mello Gindri also helps recruit students from Brazil, such as when Rodrigues and Adams came as part of a recruiting trip.

“I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Rodrigues and Dean Adams here in Brazil when they visited Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina,” de Mello Gindri said. “The visit shows the Jonsson School’s commitment and vision to broadening international collaborations.”

Adams said she was delighted to visit de Mello Gindri at bio meds Brasil as part of her trip to Brazil this past summer.

“I didn’t know much about her company, but as someone who is a direct benefactor of a similar technology, I instantly understood the importance of her work,” Adams said.

de Mello Gindri said that she knew the PhD at UT Dallas would be a life-changing opportunity and that the knowledge consolidated in this experience would help her support Brazil’s growing scientific community.

“Our country is making remarkable developments in this field,” she said. “To watch our companies grow and make a difference and encourage others is more than I could have ever imagined. But UT Dallas helped me imagine and shape them and gave me the skills that were important in making this happen.”