With new interoperability rules coming into effect that would make it easier for people to share their health data, Human API is building a system to aggregate that information into one place. The San Mateo-based startup pulls in and organizes health data from a number of sources, including EHRs, labs, wearables and health apps.
It recently raised a $20 million series C round to help expand its system into new markets. Currently, it’s used by insurance providers including Prudential and John Hancock. Digital health companies, such as Thrive Global, 23andMe, and Omada Health also use its products. For example, Omada, which offers programs for managing chronic conditions, uses Human API to let its users connect to multiple devices without needing as many IT resources.
Last year, the company launched a product to help the life insurance industry speed up the underwriting process, after Guardian Life Insurance Company and SCOR Life & Health Ventures joined as new investors in the company. It also says its services can be used to speed up clinical trial recruitment and to build digital patient registries.
Most consumers come across Human API when they’re going through a Covid-19 screener, signing up for a life insurance plan or enrolling in a clinical trial. For example, they might be directed to send their records through Human API’s platform to complete the underwriting process faster.
“What we’re seeing that’s really interesting is the majority of consumers that go through the Human API experience, that use our product for the first time, they will actually sign up and come back,” Human API Founder and CEO Andrei Pop said in a phone interview. “They use it because they’re interested. They have a desire to own their own health data and understand it more deeply for personal reasons.”
A Deep-dive Into Specialty Pharma
A specialty drug is a class of prescription medications used to treat complex, chronic or rare medical conditions. Although this classification was originally intended to define the treatment of rare, also termed “orphan” diseases, affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the US, more recently, specialty drugs have emerged as the cornerstone of treatment for chronic and complex diseases such as cancer, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.
After interacting with Human API, users they get a copy of the data they shared. For instance, they might want to know what data the life insurance company was requesting, and how they decided on their rate.
Pop said consumers have the ability to connect or disconnect any data source that they want, and can save or delete their health data. According to Human API’s privacy policy, users can export a copy of their health records, or authorize healthcare providers or third-party services to receive it through the company’s service.
The startup says it does not share users’ personal information to any third party without their consent, but it may use anonymized or aggregated information for analytics, research or public health.
Samsung Ventures, CNO Financial Group, Allianz Life Ventures and Moneta VC joined as new investors in the series C funding round.
“Human API’s ‘one stop shop’ of health data helps enterprises realize new possibilities in lasting consumer engagement models,” SCOR Global Life CEO Paolo DeMartin said in a news release. “They’re truly moving the industry into a new era of innovation.”
Pop said the company would invest the new funds into growing its network of data sources, and build out its machine learning and AI teams. The startup also hired a new chief commercial officer to help fuel the company’s expansion.
“The thesis and our mission is if we can increase data liquidity in a market that has traditionally had none, then we can empower innovators,” Pop said.
This article has been updated with an interview with CEO Andrei Pop.
Photo credit: exdez, Getty Images
