Nutrition is a key aspect of autoimmune conditions.
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Today, WellTheory, the holistic care platform for individuals with autoimmune disease, has announced a collaboration with Instacart, a leading delivery provider, to tackle disparities in access to anti-inflammatory and nutritious food. This new partnership will combine Instacart Health’s Fresh Funds program with WellTheory’s platform, enabling patients to utilize Instacart’s technology to purchase recommended food items to enhance their health.
Earlier this year, WellTheory announced a successful $14 million Series A funding round led by General Catalyst. The platform is dedicated to offering comprehensive care for autoimmune disease patients through employer-based plans and individual support, including 1:1 dietitian consultations, personalized care plans, accessible appointments, and a range of diagnostic tests. WellTheory collaborates with employers to extend coverage to members with autoimmune conditions, with potential savings of up to $9400 per member annually, a 64% decrease in emergency room visits, and 91% of patients experiencing relief.
With access to Instacart’s program, nearly 300,000 patients within WellTheory’s network will now have the opportunity to receive grocery stipends for purchasing recommended foods directly through Instacart, ensuring convenience, accessibility, and improved health outcomes. The broad reach of Instacart across the United States will benefit individuals in communities of all sizes and locations.
Claire Rudolph, co-founder and head of product at WellTheory, emphasizes the critical role of food in the autoimmune journey, aiming to reduce barriers in providing essential nutrition. Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president and general manager of health at Instacart, shares the same goal of enhancing grocery access and convenience for communities. Through this partnership, a significant number of people will experience positive impacts on their health.
Why is this initiative significant? The prevalence of autoimmune disease is on the rise. According to an article by Molly Murray, president and CEO of the Autoimmune Association, the increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases underscores the urgent need for advocacy, awareness, education, and research in this field. Since many autoimmune diseases lack cures, patients must manage lifestyle factors such as environmental exposures and diet rigorously. Studies have shown that diets play a crucial role in triggering autoimmune conditions and managing symptoms effectively.
The growing rates of autoimmune conditions have led to the emergence of companies dedicated to addressing this patient population. For instance, kyverna is a pharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for autoimmune patients, while Attune Health focuses on autoimmune care and research. Healthcare organizations are recognizing the unique needs of these patients and investing in specialized clinics, such as rheumatology, with dedicated staff to cater to their requirements.
The efforts in this area are just beginning, considering that nearly 15 million people in the US are affected by autoimmune diseases. Heightened awareness, resources, and research are essential to address the needs of this growing patient population.
