- Somatus, a market leader in value-based kidney care, announced that it has raised $64 million in Series C funding
Somatus — a market leader in value-based kidney care — announced that it has raised $64 million in Series C funding. This funding round was led by Longitude Capital and co-led by Optum Ventures and Deerfield Management Company. And it included participation from existing investors Blue Venture Fund, Flare Capital, and Town Hall Ventures. This funding round — combined with prior funding — brings the total capital raised to over $105 million since its launch in 2016.
And the completion of this financing marks another major milestone for Somatus. Through new and expanded partnerships with leading health plans, the company has experienced significant growth and now provides comprehensive and holistic kidney care services to over 20,000 chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease patients across six states. Plus Somatus will use the funding to continue to scale its model nationally and invest in technology and product development to better support patients and health plan partners.
The Somatus model uses actionable intelligence from its propriety RenalIQ technology platform to power field-based care team efforts and connect major kidney care stakeholders. And multiple data sets are used to predict undiagnosed disease as well as the severity and velocity of disease progression, utilization, and the likelihood of an unplanned dialysis start.
A highly specialized team of renal clinicians and community-based team members use evidence-based care pathways and personalized outreach to grow patient trust and develop a comprehensive care plan that is focused on helping members achieve better kidney health. And this model has seen high levels of engagement and adoption from patients and delivered significant quality and cost outcomes for partners.
During the course of the next year, Somatus will continue expanding its nationwide footprint, launch new partnerships, add top talent to the existing 300-person team, and work with its payer and provider customers to deploy a full array of kidney care and dialysis delivery solutions. And the company will also be releasing its patient-facing mobile application designed to help patients monitor their kidney health goals, connect virtually with care team members, watch on-demand micro-learning modules, and track their transplant journey.
Key Quotes:
“Since our inception, we have set out to do one thing: be the best provider of integrated care for those with or at risk of developing kidney disease. Fueled by the tenacity of our team, the trust of our patients, and the support of our partners and investors, we have made great strides in the pursuit of our mission and helped spur needed transformation in the kidney care sector. This investment allows us to accelerate those efforts while solidifying ourselves as a preferred partner for health plans and a trusted advocate for patients.”
– Somatus Co-Founder and CEO Ikenna Okezie, MD
“Somatus is at the forefront of revolutionary change in an industry that has forced patients to accept the status quo for far too long. Somatus is transforming how the industry cares for patients with chronic kidney disease by not only meeting them where they are but also by aligning all kidney care stakeholders to support the health and wishes of patients. This patient-centric model is a win-win solution for patients, partners, and providers.”
– Longitude Capital Managing Director Gregory Grunberg, MD
“Somatus’ team-based management of kidney disease ensures people get the expert, engaged, compassionate care they need and deserve, more affordably. This progressive approach to treating chronic disease is increasingly important for health care payers and care providers who are dedicated to achieving better health outcomes for the patients and populations they serve.”
– Larry C. Renfro, managing partner of Optum Ventures
“Many of the 37 million Americans living with chronic kidney disease are unaware they have it or do not have the resources or support to help manage it. Somatus has led industry efforts to overcome this challenge and delivered a model that not only offers this population a path to better kidney health, but also hope that they can live the life they want. We are thrilled to invest in their mission and support them in their efforts to impact the lives of millions.”
– Julian Harris, MD, Partner at Deerfield
