Barcelona Startup Advances Therapy with Virtual Reality

In a groundbreaking development in the health-tech industry, Barcelona-based Amelia Virtual Care, a leader in virtual reality (VR) solutions for mental health, has announced a merger with U.S.-based XRHealth. The combined entity aims to dominate the global market for virtual reality therapies, advancing innovative solutions for mental and physical health challenges. The merger, which is subject to shareholder approval, signals a new era in healthcare technology and is expected to reshape the therapeutic landscape.

This milestone merger has been spearheaded by Asabys Partners, Amelia Virtual Care’s primary backer, alongside Sabadell Venture Capital. The deal highlights the growing recognition of VR's potential in healthcare and marks one of the most significant collaborations in the European health-tech sector.

A Growing Global Impact

Xavier Palomer, founder and president of Amelia Virtual Care, shared his vision for the merger: "This is a transformative moment. We are creating a global leader that will innovate the way diseases are treated over the next decade."

The new group is set to achieve an annual turnover exceeding $7 million and will employ 90 professionals, with 60 team members already part of Amelia. Offices will be established in Boston, Barcelona, and Tel Aviv, solidifying its presence in key global markets. By the end of the year, the company expects over 2,500 physicians worldwide to use its VR tools, completing more than 500,000 treatments for an estimated 25,000 patients.

Innovative VR Therapies

Amelia Virtual Care has made significant strides in developing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), which combines immersive environments with advanced therapeutic content. The platform offers 140 virtual environments tailored to treat a variety of mental and physical health conditions, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Phobias and ADHD
• Eating disorders
• Chronic pain

Described by Palomer as a "Netflix for mental health professionals," the platform enables healthcare providers to access a library of therapeutic environments on a subscription basis. Therapy sessions typically last between 15 to 20 minutes and are designed to make treatment more engaging and effective for patients.

The platform's success is underscored by its widespread adoption, with over 2,000 customers in 30 countries. This includes leading institutions like hospitals, psychologists, and even the U.S. Army Veterans Association. With 65% of its revenue coming from the U.S., Amelia Virtual Care has positioned itself as a vital player in the North American market.

Cutting-edge technology with a Proven Foundation

Despite being a relatively new technology, virtual reality therapies are built on decades of scientific research. Palomer emphasizes that the efficacy of VR in therapeutic contexts has been validated by over 30 years of clinical studies.

By merging with XRHealth, the new entity will combine Amelia's expertise in mental health solutions with XRHealth’s advanced physical therapy applications. This synergy will enable the group to tackle a broader spectrum of health conditions, delivering deep-tech solutions that promise to revolutionize treatment methodologies.

The merger is also a testament to Barcelona's role as a hub for innovation in healthtech. Guillem Masferrer, senior partner at Asabys Partners, remarked: "Barcelona has solidified its position as a cradle of cutting-edge health technology. This merger not only elevates Amelia to global prominence but also highlights the city’s potential to drive transformative healthcare solutions."

The deal underscores the significance of European innovation in shaping global markets, particularly as the healthtech sector grows more competitive.

The merged entity has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to double its turnover annually. With the backing of prominent investors and an innovative product portfolio, the company is well-positioned to scale operations and capture larger market shares globally.
Palomer hinted at the potential for the company to be listed on Nasdaq in the future, further solidifying its stature as a leader in the VR therapy market. This prospect not only promises substantial growth opportunities but also reflects the confidence of stakeholders in the company’s long-term vision.

Disrupting Traditional Therapies

The combined expertise of Amelia Virtual Care and XRHealth will provide healthcare professionals with unparalleled tools to enhance patient outcomes. By leveraging VR and extended reality (XR), the company aims to:

• Personalize Treatment: Tailor therapy sessions to individual patient needs using customizable VR environments.
• Improve Accessibility: Make cutting-edge therapies more accessible to underserved populations globally.
• Enhance Efficacy: Utilize immersive experiences to deliver measurable improvements in both mental and physical health outcomes.

This disruptive approach is expected to redefine how therapies are administered, offering a more engaging and effective alternative to traditional methods.

Way Forward

As the adoption of VR therapy accelerates, healthcare professionals worldwide are encouraged to explore the benefits of this innovative technology. For practitioners looking to stay ahead in their fields, Amelia Virtual Care’s platform provides a unique opportunity to integrate advanced tools into their practice.

• Healthcare Providers: Discover how VR can enhance patient engagement and outcomes in your clinic or hospital.
• Mental Health Practitioners: Leverage the power of VRET to address anxiety, depression, and more with science-backed methods.
• Physical Therapists: Explore XRHealth’s cutting-edge solutions for improving mobility and reducing pain.

The merger of Amelia Virtual Care and XRHealth marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of healthcare technology. By combining forces, these innovators are set to deliver transformative solutions that improve the lives of thousands globally. With ambitious plans for growth, a commitment to research-backed innovation, and a focus on accessibility, the future of virtual reality therapy looks brighter than ever.

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