There are ~780m people worldwide affected by chronic pain (CP), and their suffering is getting worse. 

A recent study found that 70% of people with CP noticed their condition worsen as a result of the stress of the pandemic. 

Funding has been flowing into the space as startups aim to alleviate suffering and combat the misuse of opioids prescribed for CP. Some recent winners include:

  • Happify: Digital therapeutics that treat the physical and mental side effects of CP and other chronic illnesses; raised $73m in March
  • AppliedVR: VR-based therapeutic treatments for CP; $29m in March
  • Clearing: Customized opioid-free pain management plans; $20m in May