Canadian digital pharmacy secures $9.5 million funding from Sun Life

Pillway provides virtual health services to Canadians

Canadian digital pharmacy secures $9.5 million funding from Sun Life

Sun Life has announced a $9.5 million minority investment in Simpill Health Group Inc., with an additional opportunity to invest up to $1.5 million. Simpill Health Group Inc., known as Pillway, is a pioneering digital pharmacy in Canada. The funding will accelerate their growth and enhance their ability to “provide personalized, technology-driven, and patient-centric health care solutions,” says Lak Gill, Pillway CEO.

This also marks Pillway's second funding round, building on their initial $5 million seed round from WELL Health in 2020.

“Securing this level of funding from Sun Life, especially in the current macroeconomic climate, is a powerful endorsement of our mission. This investment is not just about financial support—it's about strengthening a partnership that has already begun to make a tangible difference in people's lives,” says Gill.

In June, Sun Life launched its Lumino Health™ Pharmacy app, powered by Pillway's technology platform and pharmacy services. The app, initially rolled out to Sun Life Group Benefits Clients in Canada, provides users with access to a live pharmacist through chat or phone calls, medication delivery within Canada, often arriving the same or next business day, personalized pre-packaging for timely and correct medication consumption, and more features to track prescription drug usage and manage refills.

“With over 50 percent of Canadians taking at least one prescription drug a month, access to medications and pharmacy care is critical. For those caring for their loved ones, helping with medication management and adherence is equally as important,” says Dave Jones, president at Sun Life Health.

“As one of the largest private payers of prescription medication in Canada, we know first-hand how important it is that people receive their medication and take it correctly. The team at Pillway has the pharmacy expertise and services to help Canadians, regardless of where they are in their health journey,” he says. 

Pillway specializes in chronic disease management and individuals with multiple daily medications, catering to their prescription medication needs. Pillway’s platform brings together doctors, pharmacists, and patients to create a holistic healthcare experience for Canadians. Their dedicated pharmacy care team takes a proactive approach to manage each patient throughout their entire healthcare journey, eliminating any uncertainty in medication management.

“We believe strongly in the work Pillway is doing to enhance pharmacy care across Canada. [This] investment highlights the shared vision between our two companies. I'm excited for what Pillway has in store and their future growth, helping all Canadians with their health and well-being,” says Alison Chick, senior vice-president, health solutions at Sun Life Health.

“Together with Sun Life, we look forward to building on our initial success and bringing even more innovative and impactful health solutions to Canadians,” Gill adds.