Harmonia Healthcare is Revolutionizing Pregnancy Care

For over 20 years, Leslie Gautam, the Founder and CEO of Harmonia Healthcare has worked in various roles across the healthcare sector, focusing primarily on women's health. This wealth of experience, coupled with a deep passion for creating a meaningful impact, led to the creation of Harmonia.

Harmonia Healthcare is a highly specialized women’s health platform that combines cutting-edge, functional medical treatment with science-backed research for underdiagnosed, undertreated, and otherwise dismissed female-specific diseases. Initially focused on hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), Harmonia's innovative, physician-led research and novel treatment programs are expected to result in superior health outcomes and subsequently enhanced wellbeing and quality of life. Their model includes personalized treatment, in-office and telehealth, and strong collaboration with other healthcare providers.

The start-up addresses critical gaps in healthcare for pregnant women suffering from nausea, vomiting, and hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Harmonia opened its first outpatient treatment center in New Jersey and plans to expand with a second location in NYC by Fall 2024. In collaboration with Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Marlena Fejzo, Harmonia is also conducting groundbreaking research into HG treatments.

Breaking the Cycle of Neglect

Morning sickness leads to an average of 23 days of missed work, and it is estimated that >100,000 [m1] pregnant people in the US missed >60 days of work last year due to HG. In order to work and care for families, pregnant people are forced to make the agonizing decision of taking anti-nausea medication off-label, with no evidence of effectiveness or safety because pregnant people have historically not been included in clinical trials. We deserve better. Some solutions in addition to opening our specialty care centers include more funding for studies, revised education that includes better training of obstetricians and ER doctors, and a law that requires outcome reporting of exposures to any off-label medication prescribed in pregnancy to a national database. That is the fastest way Dr. Marlena Fejzo can think of that pregnant people can know whether the medications they have to take in pregnancy are safe and effective.

With decades of hard work and the help of many, including the dedication of Kimber MacGibbon,  Director of the HER Foundation, 23andMe, and Regeneron, she discovered that the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is primarily determined by a nausea and vomiting hormone called GDF15. In partnership with an international team of scientists including Cambridge endocrinologist Stephen O’Rahilly, we now have ways to potentially prevent and treat HG. These must be tested, which means we need both funding and a reasonable path forward. This will be determined, in part, by the FDA. In the past it has been prohibitive to test medications in pregnant people, and that must change. Currently, approximately 6% have therapeutic terminations and 14% use cannabis, with the primary reason being that nothing else worked. There are significant disparities in prescribing practices. People from BIPOC communities are less likely to get prescriptions and more likely to end up hospitalized for HG. Regulators must understand that both cannabis use and undernutrition resulting in adverse maternal and child outcomes are the consequence of not having medications available. Turning a blind eye is doing more harm than good.

It should not have taken Marlena, a woman scientist who lost a baby to HG, decades to make progress for this common affliction. In addition to more support for female healthcare, we need more support for females in science to better the health of women and AFAB people. We can do better. We must do better. The result will be better health for generations to come.

Revolutionizing Pregnancy Care with Innovative Outpatient Centers

Harmonia’s primary focus is opening outpatient treatment centers to offer specialized care for women experiencing severe pregnancy-related symptoms. By providing an alternative to emergency room visits, the centers offer personalized care for those with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Harmonia’s first center has launched in New Jersey, with a second opening in New York City in Fall 2024. In partnership with Dr. Marlena Fejzo, Harmonia is also advancing research to improve treatment for HG patients globally.

Overcoming Industry Challenges and Raising Awareness

Harmonia’s mission extends beyond treatment — it aims to overcome industry challenges by raising awareness about women’s health conditions that are often overlooked or dismissed. Conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum have historically been under-researched. Harmonia is working to change this through its targeted care model and advocacy, helping to shift outdated perceptions in the healthcare industry.

The Future of Healthcare: Value-Based Care and HEOR in Women's Health

One of Harmonia’s key achievements has been the successful opening of its first treatment center, offering a much-needed alternative to emergency room care for women with HG. Looking ahead, Harmonia sees the healthcare industry moving toward value-based care. By focusing on Health Economics and Outcomes Research(HEOR), the company aims to demonstrate that its innovative treatment centers not only improve patient health but also offer cost-effective solutions. This approach positions Harmonia to be a leader in shaping the future of women’s healthcare.

In conversation with Leslie Gautam, CEO & Co-Founder:

Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs: Focus on Results

For aspiring entrepreneurs entering the healthcare space, Harmonia’s advice is clear: focus on measurable results. Whether it’s improving health outcomes or demonstrating economic sustainability, these factors are crucial for long-term success in healthcare.

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More info: www.harmoniahealthcare.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/harmonia-healthcare/

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