Walgreens is partnering with Cariloop, a tech platform that focuses on coaching and cloud-based support tools for caregivers, to offer multiple sclerosis patients and their caregivers access to coaching services through their neurology-specialty pharmacies. 

Multiple sclerosis is a disease where a patient's immune system attacks the nervous system, causing scars around the protective sheath (myelin) of the nerves, which can have debilitating effects. 

MS patients at select Walgreens locations will have access to Cariloop's Care Coaches to help them navigate the care journey alongside Walgreens pharmacists. The program will be available through Dec. 31, 2023. 

"Individuals with chronic illnesses, like MS, and their caregivers often encounter barriers to care that can negatively affect health outcomes and drive up costs," Dr. Wendy Whittington, Cariloop's chief care officer, told MobiHealthNews in an email.  

"We solve for the nuances that traditional healthcare systems often overlook. We are honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Walgreens on this new program as we collectively strive to improve outcomes and relieve the stress felt by these individuals and their caregivers."

THE LARGER TREND

Cariloop was part of Dallas-based health accelerator Health Wildcatters' first class in August 2013. In 2020, the company closed a $6 million Series A round. A year later it scored $15 million in funding.

In 2021, the pharmacy retail giant invested $5.5 billion to accelerate its healthcare business segment, Walgreens Health, becoming a majority owner in primary care provider VillageMD and investing in at-home healthcare company CareCentrix. In 2022, it completed a majority share acquisition of CareCentrix.

In January, VillageMD finalized its purchase of Summit Health, a multispecialty medical practice and parent company of urgent care provider CityMD, for a whopping $8.9 billion.

Last month, Walgreens announced its acquisition of Starling Physicians, a multispecialty medical group operating over 30 locations in Connecticut. In addition to primary care, Starling offers specialty services in cardiology, ophthalmology, nephrology, endocrinology and senior care.

Other retail giants, including CVS Health, have made their way into the digital health space. The company recently completed its acquisition of home health platform Signify Health, and it has signed an agreement to purchase primary care provider Oak Street Health. 

Tina Manoharan will offer more detail in the HIMSS23 session "AI and Data Interoperability: A Symbiotic Relationship for Healthcare." It is scheduled for Tuesday, April 18 at 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. CT at South Building, Level 4, room S401.