CHICAGO– metaMe Health, Inc. (metaMe), a Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDT) company and developer of ReguloraⓇ, the first FDA-authorized PDT specifically for abdominal pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in adults, today announced that it has received $2.2M in funding in a bridge round led by Hyde Park Angels (HPA), with additional investments from individuals. The funds will be used to continue preparation for Regulora’s market launch and to build out metaMe’s commercial infrastructure.
For the 10-15% of U.S. adults living with IBS, daily life can be painful. IBS, a chronic condition of the gastrointestinal tract, is the cause of between 2.4 and 3.5 million doctor’s office visits each year. Researchers have found that patients would be willing to give up 10 to 15 years of their life expectancy if they could have an immediate cure for IBS and its associated symptoms. On top of that, IBS, because it is not well understood by the general public, is widely stigmatized, which adds to the burden of those who suffer from it.
metaMe’s Regulora provides relief to these patients through Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH), available conveniently through a smartphone app. The app guides patients through seven treatment sessions and additional practice sessions over the course of three months, helping promote healthier control of digestive tract function and mitigate pain sensation. GDH has been shown to produce positive outcomes for those living with IBS, but has previously been inconvenient for many patients, as it has required in-person visits with licensed therapists. With Regulora, patients can access treatment privately from anywhere at any time, empowering them to improve their quality of life without hassle or fear of stigma.
“We are thrilled to have the support of HPA as we prepare for the launch of Regulora,” said Tim Rudolphi, CEO of metaMe Health. “We believe that Regulora is poised to change the lives of the millions of Americans who suffer from IBS. HPA’s support provides the capital and expertise we need to prepare for launch and raise our Series A funding.”
With the funding announced today, Ken Greisman, the deal lead from HPA and a veteran of the pharmaceutical industry, has joined the metaMe board of directors.
“Considering that millions of patients suffer from IBS, that Regulora treats all three subtypes of IBS, and that it delivers a proven therapy in a convenient way, we are eager to support metaMe,” Greisman said. “We are confident that Tim and his team have the expertise necessary to launch and grow Regulora and future products, thereby improving the lives of a vast number of patients.”
In the coming months, metaMe’s team will build on this momentum as it prepares for the commercial launch of Regulora, slated for the second half of 2022. The company will also recognize IBS Awareness Month in April to help elevate public understanding of this chronic condition and how it affects people’s lives.
