Sonara is a hybrid care platform designed to enhance access to and adherence to methadone treatment through a combination of in-person and virtual tools. Recently, it secured investments from new backers, including Acumen America and the Sorenson Impact Foundation, alongside its existing supporter, First Trust Capital Partners.
A key feature of Sonara is the Virtual Dosing Window, which enables secure, remote observed dosing. This helps patients remain consistent with their treatment while addressing concerns about misuse. The platform also offers virtual intakes, telecounseling, and HIPAA-compliant messaging, allowing for continued connections with care teams.
Since its launch in late 2022, Sonara has supported over 1,000 patients across 50 clinics in 14 states, allowing for greater flexibility. Participants typically receive an additional 14 days of take-home methadone monthly, reducing the need for 28 clinic visits. This leads to fewer missed doses and significant cost savings for Medicaid and providers, with clinics reporting an estimated 10.75 times return on investment.
As many as 10 million Americans need medications like methadone for opioid use disorder, yet less than 10% are treated. Sonara’s model combines in-person monitoring with remote care to improve retention and alleviate logistical challenges.
How the funding will be used: Sonara plans to use its funding to enhance payer engagement, establish sustainable reimbursement models, and develop medication units in high-need areas, ultimately aiming for scalable, patient-centered, and equitable methadone care. And the new funding will support Sonara’s mission to modernize methadone delivery, enhance patient-centered care, and expand access to medication for individuals with opioid use disorder.
KEY QUOTES:
“We believe fewer lives would be lost to opioid dependency if treatment barriers were eliminated. This funding positions us to scale those efforts and partner with forward-thinking providers, payers, and policymakers to reimagine what equitable, tech-enabled methadone care can look like.”
Michael Giles, MD, Founder and CEO of Sonara
“Sonara’s innovative hybrid approach is transforming how opioid treatment programs deliver care. Their technology thoughtfully addresses patient needs, combining compassionate care with clinical rigor, and has already demonstrated real-world impact. We’re proud to partner with Sonara to scale this critical model, creating a path for more accessible and equitable opioid treatment nationwide.”
Rachel Kern – Senior Vice President, First Trust Capital Partners
