Startup Bia Care launches virtual clinic to deliver modern menopause care
Bia Care has launched its virtual clinic to improve menopause care by combining technology with personalised treatments. The remote care solution ensures that women are provided with the knowledge needed to control their symptoms, access clinically-validated treatment options, and are given the ability to share their experiences in a confidential setting.
Bia Care was created in early 2020 by Ms Fernanda Dobal and Dr David Huang, a doctor and NHS Clinical Entrepreneur with experience setting up NHS remote care services.
The idea for the company was inspired by the pair’s regular visits to a South London menopause cafe, before the pandemic stopped in-person gatherings. Building a virtual clinic was the clear next step for Bia Care, as remote menopause care means that women are less constrained by the expertise and waiting lists of their local doctors.
As a modern menopause clinic, Bia Care is committed to being an evidence-based and clinically-led platform that delivers care in an accessible and empathetic way. Treatment options available through the clinic include Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), nutrition advice, physiotherapy and emotional fitness.
A research partnership with Imperial College London ensures that any innovations in care delivery are backed by scientific investigation. Results from a joint observational study of over 1,550 women aged 40-70 in the UK show that only a third reported having the tools and understanding to manage their menopause. Full results will be presented at the Royal College of GPs Annual Conference later in 2021.
Fernanda Dobal, CEO and Co-founder of Bia Care explained: “We founded Bia Care to help the increasing number of women who are no longer willing to suffer through menopause in silence. Remote care means that women aren’t subject to a geographic lottery and can access a specialist doctor in Oxfordshire and a dietitian in London, all from the comfort of their home over video call.
"We also know that everyone experiences menopause differently, but is to a large degree a collective experience - and so we provide group consultations where people can come together and not just see a clinician, but also learn from each other and share what they’re going through.”
Bia Care was incubated by Zinc VC, the UK’s largest social impact accelerator as well as Kamet Ventures, the leading HealthTech Venture Builder, and is also backed by Atomico Angels.
Kamet’s expertise within the healthcare industry led them to identify a significant market gap around menopause care. “Menopause care has been an under-researched and under-financed market to date, despite the fact that half the population could benefit from improved treatments in this area,” said Michael Niddam, Managing Director of Kamet Ventures.
“In Bia Care we identified massive potential to address a market that is demanding better solutions. Bia’s virtual clinic improves the delivery of menopause care by providing it directly to the user and has the ability to scale to help thousands of women.”
