New York-based digital health company Outro has announced $7 million in combined pre-seed and seed funding to expand access to clinically supported medication deprescribing services, initially focusing on antidepressants. The investment will support the development of its clinician network, technology infrastructure and research collaborations.
Outro addresses challenges associated with safely discontinuing psychiatric medications, particularly among long-term antidepressant users. Approximately one in six Americans currently takes antidepressants, with average treatment duration exceeding five years. Research conducted by Outro co-founder Dr. Mark Horowitz found that four in five long-term users experienced withdrawal symptoms that prevented them from discontinuing treatment.
Despite widespread antidepressant use, structured deprescribing support remains limited within the US healthcare system. The company aims to address this gap through its Taper Management programme, currently available in 14 states.
Outro's approach combines clinicians trained in medication discontinuation, evidence-informed tapering protocols, ongoing patient monitoring and psychosocial support. Its technology infrastructure is designed to facilitate individualised treatment plans and support patients throughout the withdrawal process.
Brandon Goode, co-founder and CEO of Outro, highlighted the need for greater attention to medication discontinuation: “Today, patients are asking a different question: if starting medication deserves support, why does stopping often happen without it? We’ve built the on-ramp for medications. Now it is time to build the off-ramp.”
The funding will enable Outro to expand its specialist clinician network, integrate artificial intelligence into deprescribing workflows and extend its services beyond antidepressants to additional medication classes. The company also plans to strengthen collaborations with academic institutions and patient advocacy organisations.
The announcement coincides with increasing federal attention to psychiatric medication management. The US Department of Health and Human Services has prioritised developing evidence-based deprescribing guidelines in collaboration with professional organisations, including the American Psychiatric Association and American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Founded by Goode and Horowitz, Outro is developing a specialised care model intended to make medication discontinuation a more structured component of long-term mental healthcare, with an emphasis on clinical oversight, patient safety and individualised treatment.
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