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As technology integrates further and further into the medical field, digital therapeutics technologies have proven to be highly successful in managing and treating chronic conditions in several patient populations. This blog highlights a few of the many different therapeutic indications that have seen tangible improvements as a result of these interventions as well as some specific platforms currently on the market.
Digital therapeutics (DTx) refer to a category of prescription interventions that utilize digital technologies, such as software applications and devices, to manage, monitor, or treat various medical conditions. These interventions often involve evidence-based therapeutic approaches and are designed to complement or replace traditional medical treatments.
A prescription digital therapeutic (PDT) is a digital therapeutic that has regulatory approval. Unlike general health and wellness apps, a PDT is prescribed by healthcare professionals and is intended to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. These therapeutics undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to demonstrate their safety, efficacy, and adherence to regulatory standards.
PDTs offer a multitude of benefits across a vast range of therapeutic indications and have the potential to dramatically shape healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Some key advantages of using digital therapeutics in lieu of or to complement other medical interventions include:
Digital therapeutics have proven to be highly successful in the treatment of various types of central nervous system (CNS) conditions, offering innovative and effective interventions to improve cognitive and motor function.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 55 million worldwide suffer from dementia currently. Dementia stands as a large factor leading to disability and dependency among elderly individuals worldwide. As a result, finding cures and treatments to decelerate its progression remains a top priority for numerous sponsors within this domain. Digital therapeutics trials aim to improve symptoms related to speech, memory, and physical function by testing a wide range of approaches including digital cognitive training, instance-consistence therapies, wearable devices, and more.
Cognito, a company working to develop PDTs for neurodegenerative diseases, received FDA approval in 2021 for a wearable device to treat Alzheimer’s disease symptoms through sensory stimulation. This is a pivotal milestone in the Alzheimer’s and dementia community, shedding light on the possibility for more innovative approaches to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes in this large population.
Following a stroke, patients can experience a broad range of cognitive and/or physical limitations and disabilities that can dramatically affect their sense of autonomy and quality of life. No stroke patient is the same, and some may require different types of therapeutic interventions than others. Digital therapeutics allows these individuals to access more engaging, personalized, and convenient forms of rehabilitation options, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes during the recovery process.
MedRhythms is a forward-thinking company committed to the advancement of auditory-motor entertainment technologies designed for individuals with walking disabilities stemming from neurological conditions. They currently have an FDA-approved therapeutic on the market to improve gait in chronic stroke patients through “prescription music,” as well as other digital therapeutics in their pipeline for post-acute stroke and other neurological disorders associated with motor deficits.
In recent years there has been a drastic surge in mental health awareness, and as a result the digital therapeutics industry in this market segment has been highly profitable. Individuals can manage their mental health like never before via AI chatbots, e-diaries, and remote monitoring from providers to develop tailored coping mechanisms and make informed decisions.
Nearly everybody will struggle with symptoms of anxiety or depression at some point in their lives, whether that be as a result of genetics or life stressors. During prolonged periods of these feelings, many healthcare professionals recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an intervention for individuals to help minimize negative thoughts and self-doubt, alone or in addition to prescription medications.
Among many mental health PDTs on the market today, Woebot stands out as an effective mental health solution for adults and adolescents that uses CBT and AI technologies to mitigate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in the form of an interactive chatbot. Woebot has received widespread acclaim, earning high ratings from 97% of users associated with organized healthcare providers.
While many individuals experience symptoms of insomnia at some point in their lives, for some it is a pertinent condition that greatly affects quality of life. As of 2023, it is estimated that 10% of adults globally meet the criteria for insomnia disorder. For those who are hesitant or haven’t had luck with prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids, a PDT for insomnia may show more promising results.
Big Health, a company on a mission to improve mental health, has developed a PDT called Sleepio to help patients with chronic insomnia overcome the challenges of falling and staying asleep throughout the night. This web-based platform provides content tailored to individuals’ needs through CBT techniques over the course of six weeks. 76% of people saw improved sleep and reduced symptoms of insomnia in its clinical trial, further solidifying that biologics are not the end-all, be-all solution for treating insomnia.
Metabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and disordered eating can be successfully managed by interventions centered around behavior modification. While it can be incredibly difficult to break bad habits associated with food, digital therapeutics offer unique and engaging solutions to these patient populations in hopes of increasing engagement and adherence to lead to healthier lifestyles.
Diabetes is arguably the most common metabolic condition seen in adults. With 90-95% of all cases being type 2 diabetes, the need for interventions to help patients effectively manage their symptoms and behaviors remains a priority.
AspyreRx is a smartphone application that helps reduce blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight while simultaneously working to improve mindset and quality of life. This PDT uses interactive behavioral therapy techniques involving goal setting and skill building to empower patients to take control of their diabetes management and lead healthier lives.
Digital weight management programs have existed for many years now and there’s no shortage in mobile and web-based applications in this space. The vast majority of these technologies do not require FDA approval for commercial use and some can even be accessed free of charge. These applications aim to promote healthy behaviors related to eating habits and physical activity to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals.
Stress can be a significant factor in why individuals experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues – many find that during periods of high stress, heartburn, nausea, constipation, and other similar symptoms become more prevalent. With this in mind, digital therapeutics have proven to be an effective treatment for many in addition to or in replacement oral medications.
CBT is recognized as a highly effective strategy for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder estimated to affect 15% of the US population. One PDT on the market currently is Mahana IBS, a clinically proven web-based application that uses this methodology to help patients who suffer from IBS to better understand their symptoms and ultimately improve their gut health. Other companies in the space to treat IBS and other GI symptoms include Vivante Health and metaMe Health.
It is incredibly evident that as the world becomes more technologically savvy, healthcare follows. From mental health challenges to chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and beyond, these digital interventions are not just reshaping treatment paradigms but redefining the very essence of patient-centered care.
