Heka VR Company Profile

Background

Overview

Heka VR is a pioneering company specializing in virtual reality (VR) solutions aimed at treating auditory hallucinations, particularly in patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. By integrating immersive VR technology with real-time voice modulation, Heka VR offers innovative, evidence-based therapies that empower patients to confront and manage their hallucinations within a controlled and therapeutic environment.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to revolutionize mental health care by providing accessible and effective VR-based treatments for individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations. Their vision is to create a world where patients can regain control over their mental health through immersive and personalized therapeutic experiences.

Primary Area of Focus

Heka VR focuses on developing and delivering VR-based therapeutic interventions for patients suffering from auditory hallucinations, with a particular emphasis on those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Industry Significance

As a spin-off from Khora Virtual Reality, Heka VR is at the forefront of integrating immersive technologies into mental health care. Their innovative approach addresses a significant gap in psychiatric treatment, offering new hope for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Innovative Treatment Development: Design and implement VR-based therapies that effectively address auditory hallucinations.

Clinical Validation: Conduct rigorous clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of their therapeutic interventions.

Global Expansion: Extend the reach of their therapies to international markets, adapting to diverse cultural and clinical settings.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Avatar Therapy: Utilizing VR to create visual representations of auditory hallucinations, enabling patients to engage in therapeutic dialogues.

Voice Modulation: Employing real-time voice modulation to simulate the patient's persecutory voice, facilitating controlled exposure and coping strategies.

Key Technologies Utilized

Virtual Reality Platforms: Advanced VR systems to create immersive therapeutic environments.

Real-Time Voice Modulation: Technologies that allow therapists to modulate their voices to match the patient's hallucinations.

Primary Markets Targeted

Mental Health Clinics: Facilities specializing in psychiatric care and treatment of severe mental illnesses.

Hospitals: Medical institutions offering comprehensive mental health services.

Research Institutions: Organizations conducting studies on innovative mental health treatments.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Heka VR has secured funding through a convertible note round led by the BioInnovation Institute. The exact amount raised remains undisclosed.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to support the development and clinical validation of their VR-based therapeutic interventions, as well as to expand their reach in the mental health care market.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Avatar Therapy Program: A VR-based intervention designed to help patients confront and manage auditory hallucinations.

Stages of Development

Clinical Trials: Currently conducting a double-blinded clinical trial with 266 patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Target Conditions

Auditory Hallucinations: Specifically targeting those associated with schizophrenia.

Anticipated Milestones

Clinical Trial Completion: Expected to conclude in the near future, with results to inform broader implementation.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

VR Simulation Training: An immersive platform that allows patients to engage with virtual representations of their hallucinations.

Real-Time Voice Modulation: Enables therapists to modulate their voices to match the patient's hallucinations, facilitating controlled exposure.

Significant Scientific Methods

Avatar Therapy: A form of psychotherapy conducted within a VR environment, allowing patients to confront their hallucinations in a safe and controlled setting.

Clinical Trials: Rigorous studies to validate the efficacy and safety of their therapeutic interventions.

Leadership Team

Simon Lajboschitz: Co-Founder & CEO

Professional Background: Co-founder of Khora Virtual Reality, with expertise in VR technology and its applications in various fields.

Key Contributions: Leading the strategic direction and growth of Heka VR, overseeing product development and clinical partnerships.

Peter Fisher: Co-Founder

Professional Background: Co-founder of Khora Virtual Reality, specializing in VR content creation and development.

Key Contributions: Contributing to the technological development and implementation of VR solutions at Heka VR.

Katalin Vikuk: Project Manager - Regulatory Compliance

Professional Background: Experience in regulatory affairs within the medical device industry.

Key Contributions: Ensuring that Heka VR's products comply with relevant regulations and standards.

Helena Blazinic: Project Manager - Clinical Trials

Professional Background: Background in clinical research and project management.

Key Contributions: Overseeing the planning and execution of clinical trials to validate Heka VR's therapeutic interventions.

Farah Shiraz: Chief Scientific Officer

Professional Background: Expertise in psychiatry and mental health research.

Key Contributions: Leading scientific research initiatives and ensuring the clinical efficacy of Heka VR's products.

Katarina Michelova: Soft Funding Specialist

Professional Background: Experience in securing non-equity funding for health tech projects.

Key Contributions: Identifying and securing funding opportunities to support Heka VR's initiatives.

Andras Csikos: Unity Developer

Professional Background: Specialized in Unity development for VR applications.

Key Contributions: Developing and optimizing VR content for Heka VR's therapeutic programs.

Alia Bashir: Technical and Implementation Specialist

Professional Background: Background in technical implementation and support for VR systems.

Key Contributions: Ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of Heka VR's technology in clinical settings.

Anders Bargum: PhD Student

Professional Background: Pursuing doctoral studies with a focus on VR applications in mental health.

Key Contributions: Contributing to research and development efforts at Heka VR.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The mental health care industry is increasingly embracing technological innovations, with VR emerging as a promising tool for treating various psychiatric conditions. The global market for VR in mental health is expanding, driven by the need for effective treatments for conditions like schizophrenia.

Competitor Analysis

Flintworks: Develops VR-based training and therapeutic solutions for mental health, focusing on immersive experiences to aid in treatment.

Rehabilitation Psychosocial: Offers VR interventions aimed at rehabilitation and psychosocial support for individuals with mental health challenges.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Heka VR has established collaborations with Danish health regions and the VIRTU Research Group, enhancing the clinical validation and implementation of their VR-based therapies.

Operational Insights

Heka VR differentiates itself through its patient-centered approach, integrating direct patient feedback into the development of therapeutic interventions. This collaborative methodology ensures that their solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Heka VR is well-positioned to expand its reach beyond Denmark, exploring opportunities in international markets. The company's focus on evidence-based, scalable solutions aligns with the growing global demand for innovative mental health treatments. Future directions include enhancing the technological capabilities of their VR platforms and broadening the scope of conditions addressed by their therapies.