In a strategic initiative to revolutionize pain management within the workers’ compensation sector, AppliedVR has appointed Michael Marsau as the Executive Director of Workers’ Compensation. Marsau is tasked with overseeing the introduction of the company’s flagship product, RelieVRx®, a pioneering virtual reality (VR) therapeutic designed for chronic lower back pain, into this critical market. With over 25 years of industry experience in workers’ compensation medical management, Marsau is exceptionally well-positioned to lead this transformative initiative.
AppliedVR, a trailblazer in immersive therapeutics, is making significant strides in pain management with its innovative VR-based treatment, RelieVRx®. This comprehensive, adjunctive virtual reality treatment is the first of its kind to receive FDA authorization specifically for chronic lower back pain. The launch of RelieVRx® into the workers’ compensation market is anticipated to be a groundbreaking development, offering a non-pharmacological solution that is both safe and cost-effective. Marsau, who has held influential roles with companies like Cypress Care (now part of Optum) and myMatrixx, is enthusiastic about this new venture. “Managing pain and avoiding addiction are major concerns for payors,” Marsau noted. “Introducing a non-pharmacological solution for chronic lower back pain is an opportunity to make a significant impact.”
The introduction of RelieVRx® into the workers’ compensation market addresses a pressing need for non-drug-based pain management solutions. Chronic lower back pain (CLBP) affects 45 million people in the U.S. alone, posing a substantial concern for workers and employers alike. Traditional pain management methods often rely heavily on opioids and other medications, which come with risks of addiction and adverse side effects. RelieVRx® offers an alternative that is not only clinically proven to reduce chronic lower back pain but also continues to provide relief after the treatment sessions are completed. “The RelieVRx program is a game-changer for workers’ comp,” Marsau emphasized. “This self-managed, home-based virtual reality therapeutic is designed to empower patients with an intuitive device they can use independently at home.”
AppliedVR’s mission is to create a new reality in healthcare through the use of immersive therapeutics (ITx). This emerging category of medicine leverages the unique properties of virtual reality to address complex health conditions, offering a holistic approach to treatment. By targeting biopsychosocial conditions such as chronic pain, behavioral, and mental health disorders, AppliedVR aims to provide comprehensive solutions that transcend traditional pharmacological treatments. “Our virtual reality-based treatments represent a comprehensive approach to chronic pain that empowers patients with an intuitive device they can self-manage at home,” the company states. “AppliedVR’s RelieVRx® is the first VR-based, prescription therapeutic to receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation and De Novo authorization by the FDA for chronic lower back pain.”
The potential impact of RelieVRx® on the workers’ compensation market is significant. As more data emerges on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of VR-based treatments, the broader healthcare industry may witness a shift toward the integration of such technologies. The FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy Designation and De Novo authorization for RelieVRx® underscore its therapeutic potential and efficacy, providing a strong foundation for widespread adoption. Looking ahead, AppliedVR’s substantial development pipeline suggests that the company is poised to address additional multi-dimensional conditions beyond chronic lower back pain. Future advancements might include VR-based therapies for other chronic pain conditions, mental health disorders, and rehabilitation processes. The potential for VR-based treatments to reduce healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes is substantial. If AppliedVR can successfully demonstrate these benefits in the workers’ compensation market, it could pave the way for broader insurance coverage and mainstream acceptance of immersive therapeutics.
Marsau’s appointment is a strategic move for AppliedVR as it seeks to penetrate a crucial market segment. His extensive experience in the industry, coupled with his understanding of pain management and workers’ compensation, positions him well to lead this initiative. Marsau’s career has been marked by his ability to drive innovation and implement effective solutions within the workers’ compensation space. “The opioid crisis has highlighted the dangers of relying on medication for chronic pain,” Marsau noted. “Innovations like RelieVRx® are not just beneficial but necessary. They provide a much-needed alternative that can help mitigate the risks associated with long-term medication use.”
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, immersive therapeutics could become a cornerstone of modern medical treatment. The integration of RelieVRx® into the workers’ compensation market could set a precedent for similar therapeutic innovations. AppliedVR’s vision of making transformative therapeutics accessible to everyone aligns with the broader goal of improving patient care and quality of life. The potential for VR-based treatments to reduce healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes is significant. If AppliedVR can successfully demonstrate these benefits in the workers’ compensation market, it could pave the way for broader insurance coverage and mainstream acceptance of immersive therapeutics.
The appointment of Michael Marsau and the launch of RelieVRx® represent a pivotal moment for AppliedVR and the broader healthcare industry. As technology and medicine converge, the possibilities for improving patient care and quality of life are boundless. The integration of VR-based treatments into the workers’ compensation market is just the beginning. With a substantial development pipeline and a commitment to innovation, AppliedVR is poised to lead the way in the next evolution of pain management and beyond.
