Memed

Memed operates as a health technology company in Brazil, establishing a digital bridge between physicians, patients, pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry. The company was founded in 2012 by brothers Ricardo and Rafael Moraes, along with René Moraes and Marcel Ribeiro. The founding was inspired by Rafael's experience as a dermatologist, who identified challenges in accessing up-to-date drug information and the inefficiencies of handwritten prescriptions after moving from a large city to a smaller town.

The company's core offering is a comprehensive digital prescription platform that is free for physicians. This platform provides access to a database of over 60,000 registered medicines and 3,000 exams, complete with clinical information, dosage, and drug interaction alerts. Physicians can generate digitally signed prescriptions and send them directly to patients via SMS or WhatsApp, which can then be used at any pharmacy in Brazil. For patients, the platform simplifies treatment adherence by providing clear, legible digital prescriptions and facilitating the purchase of medication and scheduling of exams directly through a marketplace.

Memed's business model is multifaceted. While the core prescription service for doctors is free, the company generates revenue through several channels. It has developed a marketplace where patients can purchase medications, with Memed earning a commission on sales. Another key revenue stream involves providing data intelligence and marketing solutions to the pharmaceutical industry, offering insights into market trends and product performance in a secure and ethical manner. The company also partners with hospitals, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers by integrating its platform via API, thereby digitizing their operations and providing valuable clinical data. In June 2021, DNA Capital acquired a controlling stake in the company, a move that involved a R$300 million investment to fuel the development of its marketplace and buyout previous investors. Following this, founders stepped back from daily operations to form an executive committee, and Joel Rennó Jr. was appointed CEO, later succeeded by Rodolfo Chung in early 2024.

Keywords: digital prescription, e-prescription, healthtech, digital health Brazil, medical software, physician platform, patient adherence, pharmaceutical data, clinical intelligence, healthcare marketplace, telehealth support, electronic health records, medication database, prescription management, DNA Capital, Ricardo Moraes, Rafael Moraes, Joel Rennó Jr., Rodolfo Chung