Citizen Health Secures $30 Million to Innovate Patient Advocacy with AI Technology
Citizen Health, a groundbreaking platform focused on patient empowerment in rare disease care, has successfully raised
$30 million in Series A funding. This significant investment comes from a round led by
8VC, with the participation of
Transformation Capital and
Headline, pushing the total funding since its launch in December 2023 to
$44 million. The platform is pioneering a shift in the healthcare paradigm, particularly for individuals suffering from rare diseases, by providing them with clarity, understanding, and support through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Founded by
Farid Vij and
Nasha Fitter, who are both experienced in the health technology sector, Citizen Health aims to empower patients by offering a personalized AI Advocate. This innovative tool utilizes AI, community support, and extensive health data to help users make sense of their medical information, monitor their symptoms, manage appointments, and guide them through their healthcare journey. “Today’s patients are more proactive than ever, seeking comprehensive insights and actionable guidance in their health experiences,” said
Farid Vij, illustrating the visionary goal of the platform.
Nearly half of American adults suffer from chronic illnesses, making self-advocacy incredibly vital. The ultimate goal of Citizen is to equip every patient with an AI Advocate tailored to their unique health needs. This AI will not only help patients navigate fragmented healthcare systems but will also identify opportunities for health improvement that they might not have considered themselves.
Sebastian Caliri, a partner at 8VC, emphasized the significance of Citizen’s mission, stating, “They are redefining the care model for patients with complex diseases. Citizen's AI Advocate is foundational to a groundbreaking patient experience that is already assisting thousands in making informed medical decisions.” The partnership of experienced professionals like Vij and Fitter, who have a background in both technology and healthcare advocacy, underscores the commitment to transforming patient experiences.
Citizen Health is already making strides. The platform has built over
60 engaged communities covering
123 rare and complex conditions and has partnered with more than
70 patient advocacy groups. Remarkably,
98.3% of patients trust the platform enough to share their data for research purposes. This level of trust and engagement has led to data already being accepted by the FDA for regulatory submissions, and collaborations are ongoing with more than
10 pharmaceutical partners.
The global prevalence of rare diseases, affecting over
400 million people, remains a pressing issue, with 95% of these diseases lacking approved treatments. Citizen Health's mission is more urgent than ever, as it aligns with recent FDA calls for innovation in the rare disease space. These efforts also address concerns around shifting funding and regulatory challenges while leveraging advancements in genetic testing.
The first phase of the AI Advocate is set to launch in the
third quarter, targeting select communities, along with a new product aimed at supporting advocacy groups. With a strong focus on recruiting top talent in AI and product development, Citizen Health is poised for exciting growth, deepening partnerships with pharmaceuticals, policymakers, and patient organizations along the way.
About Citizen Health: Headquartered in
San Francisco, CA, Citizen Health is dedicated to creating a future where patients have control over their healthcare experiences. By leveraging AI, community engagement, and comprehensive data, they empower individuals to manage their care and contribute to expansive, research-grade datasets crucial for medical advancements. With prominent investors backing their vision, the company is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in transformative healthcare solutions.
For more information, visit
Citizen Health.