Here come digital health apps
Digital health apps present opportunities for pharma companies. (951 words, 4.5 minutes)
Digital health apps are increasingly influencing healthcare, presenting both challenges and opportunities for pharma, according to a study published in the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. These applications, which include tools for chronic disease management, medication adherence, and wearable technology, are gradually being integrated into patients’ daily lives.
This integration permits pharma companies to streamline certain business operations and engage with patients more directly. However, the effectiveness of these tools in improving treatment outcomes remains to be fully assessed. While these apps can provide insights into patient behaviour, concerns about data privacy and the potential for over-reliance on technology in healthcare persist. As the industry navigates this digital shift, the long-term implications for patient care and pharmaceutical strategies remain to be seen.
Pharma companies can leverage digital health apps to enhance patient engagement by providing tools that help patients manage their conditions more effectively. Frontiers in Public Health reports that digital tools such as apps allow patients to manage their health more independently using functions such as medication reminders or symptom tracking. Some apps can even provide real-time feedback to healthcare providers. This increased engagement can potentially lead to better adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes.
Digital health apps could also present an opportunity for pharma companies to improve treatment outcomes. According to Clinical and Translational Science, some digital health tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI), incorporate real-time data collection and analysis, which can help achieve more personalized treatment adjustments. This data-driven approach can help identify potential issues early, enabling timely interventions that can prevent complications and enhance the overall effectiveness of treatments. However, a report in CSI Transactions on ICT notes there are some challenges associated with digital health devices, such as the need for appropriate regulatory oversight, privacy concerns, and attention to cybersecurity risks, especially regarding the personal data of patients.
In addition to improving patient engagement and treatment outcomes, Digitalya reports that digital health apps offer pharma companies valuable insights into patient behaviour and preferences. By analyzing data collected through these apps, companies can better understand how patients interact with their medications, what challenges they face, and what factors influence their adherence to treatment plans. Furthermore, an article published in German Medical Science found that medication apps can even improve medication adherence among users. These insights can help to inform the development of more targeted therapies and patient support programs.
Additional reading:
McKinsey & Company – Transforming healthcare with AI: The impact on the workforce and organizations
Sensor Tower – The Rise of Healthcare Apps: A New Era in Digital Health
THIS WEEK 08/27/24
Pfizer Canada announced that Health Canada has approved enfortumab vedotin (Padcev), an antibody-drug conjugate in combination with pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer.
The U.S. FDA approved Johnson & Johnson’s amivantamab-vmjw (Rybrevant) plus lazertinib (Lazcluze) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
Health Canada granted approval to Merck’s pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in combination with enfortumab vedotin for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer.
Celltrion announced that the European Commission has approved the use of CT-P43 (SteQeyma), a biosimilar to ustekinumab (Stelara) for the treatment of multiple chronic inflammatory diseases, including Crohn’s disease.
NOW LISTEN UP
In season 12 of the NPC Podcast, Brian Bloom, CEO of Bloom Burton & Co., gives insights into changes in the Canadian Healthcare investment landscape, the return of the generalist investor, and the rise of consumer empowerment in healthcare. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Pamela Fralick
Executive Leader
Season 01, episode 03
Listen to this episode here
How would you advise the Canadian government or the public on creating a more conducive environment for fostering innovation in Canada? (This episode was recorded in July of 2020 when Fralick was President of Innovative Medicines Canada)
It’s all about balance. This industry fully understands that sustainability is a critical issue for the health system, and we want to be part of the solution. We recognize that governments are focused on cost containment, but we also want them to prioritize value. There is a disconnect between different arms of the government, and the issue isn’t being addressed in a comprehensive, whole-of-government way.
We have some great initiatives happening—support for innovation, a desire to see the industry thrive, and ambitions to double investments and employment. But at the same time, regulations are waiting to be implemented that could strip 70 to 80 percent of a company’s revenue. How can you achieve both of these goals? It’s a significant challenge. So, while we can delve into the specifics, I think that’s the key takeaway for this podcast.
INTRODUCING DERMATOLOGY.BUSINESS
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