#United States #oncology #West Hartford #Behavioral Healthcare #Cerula Care

Cerula Care's Major Funding Round

In a significant development for cancer care, Cerula Care has successfully completed an oversubscribed seed funding round, raising $3.7 million. This funding will facilitate the company's mission to transform behavioral healthcare for cancer patients, following a robust launch in 2024 with partnerships in three prominent oncology practices. Led by Esplanade Ventures, this financial backing also saw contributions from Amplify Capital, BrightEdge, DigiTx Partners, SpringTime Ventures, and notable investors such as Mike Pykosz, co-founder and former CEO of Oak Street Health.

Cerula Care aims to bridge the emotional and mental health needs of the 22 million cancer patients in the U.S., where over 85% experience significant behavioral health challenges. By integrating behavioral health and care navigation services, Cerula Care seeks to enhance the overall health outcomes for these patients, offering much-needed support that complements traditional oncological care.

A Unique Approach to Patient Support

Ella Seitz, Managing Partner at Esplanade Ventures, emphasized the critical gap Cerula Care fills in the healthcare sector, noting that the company is uniquely positioned to address the behavioral health needs throughout the cancer journey. The company’s platform is designed specifically for cancer patients, illustrating a holistic view of patient care that goes beyond just treating the physical symptoms of cancer.

Research shows that cancer patients often struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can adversely impact their treatment outcomes. By providing access to counseling, health coaching, and psycho-oncology services, Cerula Care aims to significantly improve the quality of life for those navigating cancer treatment. Stephen Curtis, Senior Director at BrightEdge, noted the importance of fulfilling the American Cancer Society's vision of transforming the cancer experience for all patients, emphasizing that supportive behavioral health can lead to better quality of life and treatment adherence.

Impact on Treatment and Outcomes

Cerula Care's collaborative care model has already demonstrated promising results. Patients involved in their program reported notable improvements in somatic symptoms and reductions in anxiety and depression within just three months. Furthermore, oncologists have expressed appreciation for the additional support, noting that Cerula Care effectively extends their teams to address comprehensive behavioral health needs. Dr. Timothy Finnegan, an oncologist at Cone Health, described the integration of Cerula Care as invaluable, stating that it enhances the team dynamic, ensuring that all aspects of a patient’s health are considered.

The company’s innovative approach aims to change the perception of cancer care from a solely physical focus to a more comprehensive one that includes mental health. By fostering a team-based environment, Cerula Care is not only improving patient outcomes but also alleviating the strain on oncologists managing the multifaceted challenges that cancer patients face.

Looking Ahead

The seed funding follows an earlier pre-seed round with Flare Capital Partners, Healthworx Accelerator, and One Mind. As Cerula Care seeks to expand its services to additional practices and invest in technology that places patients first, the potential implications of this funding are substantial.

In conclusion, Cerula Care stands at the forefront of a critical movement to enhance cancer care by addressing the psychological aspects alongside the physical. As the company continues to grow and attract investment, its impact on the oncology landscape could redefine how healthcare providers support patients throughout their cancer journeys.

For more information on Cerula Care and its innovative solutions, visit cerulacare.com.