HARTFORD–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that Wellinks, based in New Haven, has been named October’s “Innovator of the Month.” Wellinks is a digital health care company offering the first-ever integrated virtual Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management solution. COPD is the third leading cause of death by disease in the U.S. and the fifth most costly chronic condition, with an estimated $49.9 billion spent annually. Wellinks offers a virtual-first program to help lower costs, increase access to care, and improve outcomes, enabling those with COPD to live their healthiest lives.

Wellinks’ evidence-based solution combines virtual pulmonary rehabilitation, personalized health coaching, and monitoring through connected devices and a patient-friendly app. The company also is investing in clinical research to drive innovation and transform respiratory care.

“COVID-19 has been especially difficult for people with COPD who struggle with breathing. The team at Wellinks is transforming how we think about respiratory care through their virtual COPD management solution and helping to improve care for chronic conditions by meeting patients where they are. I’m proud to recognize the important work they’re doing in our state,” said Murphy.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Senator Murphy, and we’re appreciative of the support at all levels of our growing ecosystem,” said Geoff Matous, Chief Commercial Officer and President of Wellinks. “Connecticut is a perfect launchpad for growth companies like Wellinks—there’s a density of talented entrepreneurs, academic institutions, anchor partners, and increasing access to high-quality investors and capital. These resources help companies like us to accelerate on our mission to empower millions of Americans with chronic respiratory disease to live fully, and breathe freely."

Murphy believes entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong economy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced two bipartisan pieces of legislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup companies—the Angel Tax Credit Act and the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs each year.

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