HypnoVR Company Profile

Background

HypnoVR, established in 2016 in Strasbourg, France, specializes in developing digital therapies that combine medical hypnosis with virtual reality (VR) to manage pain and anxiety. Founded by anesthetists and hypnotherapists Dr. Denis Graff and Dr. Chloé Chauvin, along with entrepreneur Nicolas Schaettel, the company aims to enhance patient care by providing non-pharmacological solutions that reduce reliance on sedative and anxiolytic medications. HypnoVR's mission is to make medical hypnosis accessible to a broad patient base, improving comfort and outcomes across various medical procedures.

Key Strategic Focus

HypnoVR's strategic focus centers on:

Core Objectives: Developing and deploying VR-based medical hypnosis solutions to alleviate pain and anxiety during medical procedures.

Areas of Specialization: Applications in anesthesia, surgery, dental care, oncology, urology, gynecology, and medical imaging.

Key Technologies: Integration of immersive VR experiences with medical hypnosis techniques to create personalized therapeutic sessions.

Target Markets: Healthcare institutions seeking non-pharmacological interventions to enhance patient care and reduce medication-related side effects.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, HypnoVR has raised a total of €6 million. In December 2021, the company secured €4.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Theodorus (Belgium), Banque des Territoires (France), Akiles (Belgium), and Capital Grand Est via Alsace Création (France). Previous investors, including Guillaume Richard and the family office of Daniel Caille, also participated. The funds are allocated to accelerate the international roll-out of HypnoVR's solutions and expand their application across additional medical fields.

Pipeline Development

HypnoVR is developing a next-generation therapeutic VR solution incorporating biofeedback technology. This system aims to offer real-time virtual hypnosedation sessions tailored to patients' physiological conditions. The company plans to launch this advanced solution in 2024, further enhancing its portfolio of digital therapies.

Technological Platform and Innovation

HypnoVR's innovation is characterized by:

Proprietary Technologies: A CE-marked Class I medical device that delivers personalized VR-based hypnosis sessions.

Scientific Methodologies: Utilization of immersive VR environments combined with medical hypnosis to create multisensory therapeutic experiences.

AI-Driven Capabilities: Development of machine learning-based biofeedback systems to adapt therapy sessions in real-time based on patient responses.

Leadership Team

Dr. Denis Graff: Co-founder and anesthetist/hypnotherapist with extensive experience in pain management.

Dr. Chloé Chauvin: Co-founder and anesthetist/hypnotherapist specializing in integrating hypnosis into medical practice.

Nicolas Schaettel: Co-founder and President, an entrepreneur with a background in new technologies, leading HypnoVR's strategic direction.

Leadership Changes

In October 2023, HypnoVR acquired Belgian company Oncomfort, with its founder, Diane Jooris, joining HypnoVR to contribute her expertise in digital sedation technologies.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The digital therapy market for pain and anxiety management is expanding, driven by the demand for non-pharmacological interventions and advancements in VR technology. Healthcare providers are increasingly adopting digital solutions to enhance patient care and reduce medication-related side effects.

Competitor Analysis

Oncomfort: Prior to its acquisition by HypnoVR, Oncomfort developed Digital Sedation™, a CE-marked VR-based medical device offering an alternative to pharmacological treatments for pain and anxiety.

AppliedVR: A U.S.-based company providing VR-based digital therapeutics for pain management, focusing on chronic pain conditions.

Karuna Labs: Specializes in VR therapy for chronic pain rehabilitation, offering personalized treatment programs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Mdoloris Medical Systems: In 2021, HypnoVR partnered with Mdoloris to integrate the Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) technology into its VR solutions, enabling real-time monitoring of patients' nervous system activity during therapy sessions.

Vivalto Santé: Collaboration to implement HypnoVR's solutions across Vivalto Santé's network of healthcare facilities.

B. Braun: Partnership focusing on providing comprehensive peri-operative care solutions incorporating HypnoVR's technology.

Pierre Fabre Oral Care: Joint efforts to integrate VR-based hypnosis into dental care practices.

Operational Insights

HypnoVR's acquisition of Oncomfort has solidified its position as a European leader in digital therapies for pain and anxiety. The company's focus on clinical validation, with over 50 clinical trials demonstrating efficacy, provides a competitive edge. The integration of biofeedback technology and expansion into new medical fields further differentiate HypnoVR in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

HypnoVR plans to increase its European and international presence with the market release of its second-generation machine learning-based biofeedback digital therapies in 2024. The company aims to broaden its product range, expand its client base, and strengthen its patent portfolio, positioning itself for sustained growth in the digital therapy sector.