Freespira’s digital therapeutic for panic disorder and PTSD chosen as top pioneering solution to improve health outcomes and increase affordability
KIRKLAND, Wash., Nov. 3, 2022 — Freespira, Inc., developer of the first digital therapeutic cleared by the FDA to treat symptoms of panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been named the winner of the inaugural Innovation Challenge sponsored by Point32Health, the parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan.
Point32Health launched the Innovation Challenge this year to facilitate discovery, development, and implementation of innovative solutions that address global care challenges and improve healthcare for its members and communities, increase affordability, and improve the overall healthcare experience.
Freespira is addressing barriers to mental health care, including access, with its medication-free, at-home treatment for people living with panic disorder or PTSD symptoms. Freespira’s evidence-based and compassionate approach works by addressing the underlying physiological cause of panic attacks and PTSD symptoms: dysregulated breathing patterns arising from carbon dioxide (CO2) hypersensitivity. Each member works with a personal coach guiding them through twice-daily sessions to stabilize their breathing over a 28-day period. Freespira’s unique patient journey provides a foundation for increased patient engagement which leads to consistently high adherence rates.
“We are excited to be selected as the winner of Point32Health’s inaugural Innovation Challenge, which highlights the confidence in Freespira’s proven ability to offer real help to the millions of patients living with panic attacks and PTSD symptoms,” said Freespira CEO Joe Perekupka. “This award also represents a meaningful collaboration with Point32Health toward accomplishing their goal of putting patients at the center of care. We’re eager to work together to make mental health care accessible for everyone in need.”
The demand for mental health care has skyrocketed in the past several years. However, accessing care continues to be difficult for patients due to a lack of local clinicians, long wait times, costs, and cultural stigma. Freespira is addressing this demand and overcoming these challenges, by providing an accessible, at-home treatment that doesn’t require a patient to visit a doctor or therapist in their clinic.
“The work Freespira, Inc. is doing to transform the treatment of panic disorder and PTSD is truly at the intersection of health care and clinical innovation,” said Michael Sherman, MD, MBA, MS, executive vice president and chief medical officer, Point32Health. “We are excited to begin working with their team to pilot their treatment technology, which will allow us to provide more comprehensive mental and behavioral health options to our members.”
About Freespira, Inc.
Freespira, Inc. is the maker of Freespira, the only FDA-cleared digital therapeutic proven to significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms of panic attacks, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in just 28 days by training users to stabilize respiratory irregularities. Health plans, self-insured employers, and the Veteran’s Administration provide the company’s drug-free solution to improve quality of life, reduce medical expenditures and support the appropriate use of valuable healthcare resources. Find out how at www.freespira.com.
About Point32Health
Point32Health is a leading health and wellbeing organization, delivering an even-better health care experience to everyone in our communities. Building on the quality, nonprofit heritage of our founding organizations, Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, we leverage our experience to help people find their version of healthier living through a broad range of health plans and tools that make navigating health and wellbeing easier.
Our programs take a 360-degree view of health for our members – no matter their age, health, race, identity, or income. Our Institute works to improve population health – and our Foundation works with communities to support, advocate and advance healthier lives for everyone. We use empathy to understand what’s important to those we serve, always making their priorities our own. And we work to guide and empower people by bringing together wide-ranging partners and perspectives to create new approaches that make a real difference for our community, our industry, and our 2.2 million members across New England.
Read Point32Health’s press release here.