Digital Therapeutics, A New Age of Evidence-Based Digital Health Solutions That Will Change Lives
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are revolutionising healthcare by delivering evidence-based interventions through software to prevent, manage or treat medical disorders or diseases. One promising example is a smart jumpsuit designed to test motor skills in infants with autism. This innovative garment, which tracks infants’ movements, is a breakthrough in early autism detection, potentially changing the lives of thousands of children and their families. As part of a wider trend towards digital therapeutics, this jumpsuit demonstrates how combining healthcare with technology can lead to groundbreaking solutions.
The value of digital therapeutics lies in their ability to be personalised, scalable, and data driven. With conditions like diabetes, mental health disorders, and even chronic pain being managed by DTx solutions, patients are no longer reliant solely on medication. Instead, they are guided by digital tools that support lifestyle changes, behaviour modifications, and therapeutic exercises designed specifically for their condition.
What’s particularly powerful about digital therapeutics is their potential to democratise healthcare. Accessible via smartphones or wearable devices, these solutions can reach people in remote areas or those with limited access to traditional healthcare services. As these technologies continue to develop, they are expected to make a significant impact on public health by offering cost-effective, scalable, and evidence-based solutions for managing a range of conditions.
For instance, a US study found that digital therapeutics via a mobile app for diabetes management led to a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (a key marker of blood sugar control) by an average of 0.8%, saving approximately $1500 per patient annually due to fewer complications and hospital visits. This highlights the potential of DTx to provide effective, long-term management of chronic conditions.
Digital therapeutics can also be adapted to individual needs, making them highly personalised. In 2019, Sanofi partnered with Happify Health, producing a DTx app to improve mental health in patients with multiple sclerosis. Combined with machine learning algorithms, this personalised technology can aid in improved health via user behaviour and feedback. This level of personalisation is difficult to achieve with traditional healthcare approaches, which often rely on a one-size-fits-all model.
The scalability of digital therapeutics is another major advantage. Once a DTx solution is developed, it can be distributed to millions of users with minimal additional cost. This makes it possible to provide high-quality care to large populations, including those in underserved areas. For example, a digital therapeutic for chronic pain management could be made available to patients in rural areas who might not have access to specialised pain clinics.
Alongside their clinical benefits, digital therapeutics also offer economic advantages. By reducing the need for in-person visits and hospitalisations, DTx can help lower healthcare costs. A report by the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science estimated that digital health technologies, including digital therapeutics, could save the US healthcare system up to $46 billion annually by 2025.
As digital therapeutics continue to evolve, they hold the promise of transforming healthcare in profound ways. By providing personalised, scalable, and evidence-based solutions, DTx can improve health outcomes, increase access to care, and reduce costs. The smart jumpsuit for early autism detection is just one example of how these innovative technologies are changing lives. As we move forward, it is essential to continue investing in and supporting the development of digital therapeutics to find their full potential and create a healthier future for all.
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