A virtual revolution in treating chronic hormonal conditions?

A femtech venture focused on better supporting the one in three women affected by chronic hormonal conditions has been backed by US$26m in funding.

Allara Health is aiming to harness virtual care technology to address conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and hypothyroidism; all which can cause health challenges like infertility, high-risk pregnancies, obesity and diabetes.

Around a third of women will battle a chronic hormonal condition in their lifetimes. For those struggling, receiving a diagnosis and finding high-quality, supportive care can be difficult.

Close to 70 per cent of PCOS cases are undiagnosed, and it can take an average of ten years to receive an endometriosis diagnosis.

One study of women aged 18-64 found that close to 30 per cent felt that their doctor had dismissed their concerns, leaving them to manage symptoms and long-term side effects on their own.

Allara delivers “evidence-based solutions” virtually, via a team of OB-GYNs, endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, and registered Dietitians; taking a “whole-body approach to patient care”.

Its creates personalised programmes which, it says, leave 75 per cent of patients feeling “more in control of their health, empowered about their care, and hopeful about their outcomes”.

Its US$26m funding round bring the total raised by the firm to US$38.5m, with GV (Google Ventures) among its backers.

Allara founder and CEO Rachel Blank said: “Allara was built for the tens of millions of women living with complex hormonal and gynecologic conditions across the US, myself included.

“After receiving a PCOS diagnosis without sufficient medical support, I realised firsthand the inequities that exist for many of us throughout the healthcare system. At Allara, we ensure women struggling with hormonal conditions can access affordable care that answers questions, minimises symptoms, and helps them live fulfilling lives – and we are incredibly grateful for the support from our investors as we deliver on this mission.”

Last year Allara launched its care model across all 50 US states, and appointed Dr Heather Huddleston, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and director of the UCSF PCOS clinical research programme as its chief medical officer.