Zerigo Health Company Profile

Background

Overview

Zerigo Health, founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a medical device company specializing in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. The company offers a connected phototherapy solution that enables patients to self-administer narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) light therapy at home, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Mission and Vision

Zerigo Health's mission is to empower individuals with chronic skin conditions by providing effective, at-home treatment options that improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. The company's vision is a world where everyone with chronic skin conditions has access to the best care science offers.

Industry Significance

Chronic skin conditions affect a significant portion of the population, leading to physical discomfort and emotional distress. Traditional treatments often require frequent in-office visits, which can be burdensome for patients. Zerigo Health's innovative approach addresses these challenges by offering a portable, FDA-cleared phototherapy device that allows patients to manage their condition effectively from the comfort of their homes.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Accessibility: Provide patients with chronic skin conditions access to effective treatments without the need for frequent clinic visits.

• Cost Reduction: Offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional treatments, potentially lowering healthcare expenses for patients and payers.

• Patient Empowerment: Enable patients to take control of their treatment regimen, leading to improved adherence and outcomes.

Areas of Specialization

• Phototherapy Devices: Development of handheld, portable devices that deliver NB-UVB light therapy.

• Digital Health Integration: Utilization of mobile applications to monitor treatment progress and maintain patient-provider communication.

Key Technologies Utilized

• NB-UVB Phototherapy: A proven treatment modality for various chronic skin conditions.

• Mobile Application Integration: An app that personalizes treatment plans, tracks results, and connects patients with care guides.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Individual Patients: Individuals seeking convenient and effective management of chronic skin conditions.

• Healthcare Providers: Dermatologists and clinics looking to offer innovative treatment options to their patients.

• Employers and Health Plans: Organizations aiming to provide comprehensive healthcare benefits that include chronic skin condition management.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Total Funds Raised: Approximately $67.25 million.

• Recent Funding Rounds:

• Series B (October 2021): Raised $43 million, led by 7wireVentures, with participation from General Catalyst, Dragoneer, Cigna Ventures, Leverage Health Solutions, and Leaps by Bayer.

Notable Investors

• 7wireVentures

• General Catalyst

• Dragoneer

• Cigna Ventures

• Leverage Health Solutions

• Leaps by Bayer

Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to expand Zerigo Health's reach among self-insured employers, health plans, and their employees and members, facilitating the adoption of its connected light therapy solution for chronic skin conditions.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Clarify System: An FDA-cleared, connected phototherapy device designed for the treatment of chronic skin conditions.

Stages of Development

• FDA Clearance: The Clarify System has received FDA clearance for the localized phototherapeutic treatment of dermatologic conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, and leukoderma on all skin types (I-VI).

Target Conditions

• Psoriasis

• Eczema

• Vitiligo

Anticipated Milestones

• Market Expansion: Utilizing recent funding to broaden the adoption of the Clarify System among healthcare providers and patients.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Clarify System: A connected phototherapy device that delivers NB-UVB light therapy, enabling patients to self-administer treatment at home.

Significant Scientific Methods

• NB-UVB Phototherapy: A standard-of-care treatment for various chronic skin conditions, effectively utilized in Zerigo Health's device.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Mobile Application Integration: The accompanying app uses machine learning to personalize treatment plans, track results, and maintain patient-provider communication.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Lisa Rometty: President and CEO. With over 30 years of global leadership experience, Lisa has held executive roles at CVS Health and IBM Watson Health, focusing on growth, operational excellence, and customer-focused innovation.

• Tim Raducha-Grace: Chief Platform Officer. Tim has a proven track record in launching and scaling technology-driven healthcare organizations, with leadership roles at CVS Health, Syneos Health, and Bright Health.

• Tricia Balazovic: Chief Operating Officer. With over 18 years of experience, Tricia has led clinical services, population health, and digital health platforms, including roles at Babylon Health and Bright Health.

• Ehud Gelblum: Chief Financial Officer. A venture CFO and corporate strategic advisor, Ehud has served as CFO for several healthcare startups and spent over 17 years on Wall Street as an equity research analyst.

• Dr. Christine Gilroy: Chief Medical Officer. With over 15 years of clinical expertise, Dr. Gilroy has served as Chief Medical Officer at Express Scripts and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Bright Health.

• Carly Heiman: Vice President, Product. Carly has over a decade of experience in healthcare innovation and digital therapeutics, with leadership roles at CVS Health and Aetna.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global light therapy market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, reaching a value of $1.3 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by the rising prevalence of skin conditions and the increasing demand for non-invasive therapies.

Competitor Analysis

• Clarify Medical: Offers at-home smart light therapy solutions for chronic skin conditions, similar to Zerigo Health's offerings.

• Skylit Medical: Specializes in UVB therapy, providing treatment for psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo patients through home-based solutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• Partnership with Nextiva (May 2024): Zerigo Health partnered with Nextiva to expand benefits for employees with chronic skin conditions, enhancing the accessibility of their treatment solutions.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

• Market Position: Zerigo Health holds a unique position in the market by offering a connected phototherapy solution that combines advanced technology with personalized care, differentiating itself from traditional treatment methods.

• Competitive Advantages: The company's FDA-cleared device, integrated mobile application, and comprehensive support system provide a holistic approach to managing chronic skin conditions, setting it apart from competitors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

• Market Expansion: Utilize recent funding to broaden the adoption of the Clarify System among healthcare providers and patients.

• Product Development: Continue to innovate and enhance the device and accompanying services to meet the evolving needs of patients with chronic skin conditions.

• Partnerships: Forge additional partnerships with employers, health plans, and healthcare providers to expand the reach and impact of Zerigo Health's solutions.