Northwell Holdings, the for-profit investment arm of Northwell Health, and Aegis Ventures have signed an agreement to launch Upliv, a digital health company providing menopause support to women. Seed funding for Upliv through 2023 is $8.4 million, according to a news release about the company’s launch.
As LIBN reported in April, New York-based Aegis Ventures aims to invest at least $100 million in seed-stage funds to develop joint ventures with Northwell Health. Throughout 2023, Northwell Holdings and Aegis Ventures aim to launch a portfolio of virtual-care companies that “address gaps in care and promote equity in women’s health,” according to the news release.
“Many women going through menopause are not getting the care they deserve. The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can range from moderate to debilitating,” Allison Schoeneck, Upliv’s CEO, said in a statement.
“Too often, those symptoms are dismissed. Menopause can disrupt our daily lives and has serious implications for our health,” she added. “Through Upliv, we are providing evidence-based treatments and whole-person support to help women manage their health.”
By partnering with employers, Upliv plans to provide virtual telemedicine services and “whole-person care” to employees who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms, according to the news release. Through a pilot program, Upliv aims to first offer these services to select nurses at Northwell Health, followed by a broader rollout in the first quarter of 2023.
“Today there are safe, effective and science-backed medications and non-pharmacologic treatments to manage the symptoms of menopause. However, many women still struggle to access this care,” Dr. Stacey Rosen, senior vice president of Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health, said in a statement.
“By leveraging virtual care solutions, we can create access to specialized medical professionals, so women can receive the necessary support to explore treatment options,” added Rosen, who chairs Upliv’s clinical advisory board. This board comprises experts in women’s health issues, including bone health, cognitive health, urogynecology and cardiology.
Through clinical tools and guidance, Upliv would assist women as they make informed decisions about their health. Programs include video consults with multidisciplinary menopause experts and coaches, prescription and treatment paths and online resources.
Upliv’s care is informed by the North American Menopause Society guidelines. Its medical and wellness services are provided by an interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurse practitioners and wellness coaches who are trained in accordance with the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches.
Adina Genn
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