Finding Genius: Zack Gray, Ophelia
Opioid abuse is the #1 cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. Zack Gray of Ophelia shares more about Ophelia's approach to helping Americans overcome addiction
Opioid abuse is the #1 cause of death for Americans under the age of 50 and the team at Ophelia has developed an integrated, telemedicine-enabled care model that improves patient outcomes and improves patient access to the best available treatments. In our conversation, CEO and Founder of Ophelia, Zack Gray shares the history of the opioid epidemic, catalyzed by the pharmaceutical industry, and the result on the American public.
Ophelia exists to implement medication-assisted therapy, a treatment that works for opioid addiction. This treatment is not accessible to American’s and COVID-19 has exacerbated the crisis due to joblessness and self-isolation. Brick-and-mortar rehabilitation facilities were not equipped to go digital and Ophelia has stepped up to meet increased demand for addiction treatment during a time when there has been reduced supply for addiction treatment.
Ophelia is backed by General Catalyst, Refactor Capital, Menlo Ventures, and the founders of Flatiron Health, Warby Parker, Harry's PillPack, and more.
Zack does not have a healthcare background but in our insightful conversation, shares the personal inspiration to launch Ophelia and how the company has worked with providers, the regulation that has held back adoption of this treatment, and how Ophelia aims to create an impact.