Ep82: Special Episode: Digital Therapeutics Tailwinds
Welcome to the DTx Podcast, where we explore the latest in digital therapeutics. In our previous episode with Mike Pace, we discussed the challenges facing DTx in 2023. Now, with positive developments in 2024, we’re updating our community on the progress in advancing digital therapies.
Host Eugene Borukhovich engages with experts Dr. Jenna Carl, Andy Molnar, Marty Culjat, and Kirsten Tullia to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the DTx industry.
[00:30] Expanding US channels and mental health access
[05:15] Software-wearable integration and commercial models
[12:45] Coverage expansion impact on Medicare and Medicaid
[18:10] Evolution of DTx and reimbursement challenges
[23:30] Investor impatience and R&D impact
[28:00] Medicare reimbursement and investor interest in DTx
Tune in to the DTx Podcast to gain valuable insights into the evolving world of digital therapeutics and stay updated on the latest trends, legislative impacts, and entrepreneurial advice from industry leaders.
If you’d like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities across Mission Based Media assets, visit our website at https://missionbasedmedia.com/
Guest Links and Resources:
Connect with Dr. Jenna Carl on Linkedin
Connect with Andy Molnar on Linkedin
Connect with Marty Culjat on Linkedin
Connect with Kirsten Tullia on Linkedin
Listen to the episode with Mike Pace
Host Links:
Connect with Eugene Borukhovich: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with YourCoach.health: Website | Twitter
Check out Shot of Digital Health with Eugene and Jim Joyce: Website | Podcast App
Follow Digital Health Today:
Browse Episodes | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Follow Health Podcast Network:
Browse Shows | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
--------
43:32
Ep81: Lessons Learned and Future Trends: 2023 - Year In Review with Mike Pace
In this episode of the DTx Podcast, Eugene Borukhovich sits down with Mike Pace, CEO and founder of PalmHealthCo, to delve into the latest developments and insights from the DTx industry from 2023 and to discuss what may be in store for 2024.
Eugene and Mike cover various aspects of the DTx landscape, including the growing importance of FDA authorizations, the shift towards non-prescription solutions, and the maturation of the industry into operations and pricing.
Learn more about the impact of FDA authorizations on scalability in the US healthcare system, the strategic integration of digital therapeutics with virtual care models, market consolidation, and the effects of decreased venture funding on the industry.
1. [04:00] What has the industry learned from Pear Therapeutics' initial growth and scaling and, ultimately, its bankruptcy?
2. [10:45] Mike mentions the importance of FDA authorizations for scalability in the US healthcare system. How does he foresee potential FDA approvals shaping the landscape for digital therapeutics in the near future?
3. [15:20] PalmHealthCo has been involved in integrating DTX with virtual care and pushing for a virtual first go-to-market model. How has this approach impacted their journey and success in the DTx space, and what are the potential implications for the industry as a whole?
4. [20:10] What is the importance of high-quality clinical evidence for achieving permanent listing under regulatory laws? How critical is this evidence generation for the future of digital therapeutics, and what challenges does Mike anticipate in this regard?
5. [25:40] Considering the rise of aggregators in the healthcare industry influencing the market for digital therapeutics, what strategies can DTx companies employ to navigate this evolving landscape?
6. [30:15] With the current state of venture funding and market consolidation in digital health, what advice does Mike have for startups in terms of maintaining a focus on positively impacting patients and families while navigating the industry's challenges?
Tune in to the DTx Podcast to gain valuable insights into the evolving world of digital therapeutics and stay updated on the latest trends, legislative impacts, and entrepreneurial advice from industry leaders.
Guest Links and Resources:
Connect with Mike Pace on LinkedIn
Host Links:
Connect with Eugene Borukhovich: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with Chandana Fitzgerald, MD: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with YourCoach.health: Website | Twitter
Check out Shot of Digital Health with Eugene and Jim Joyce: Website | Podcast App
HealthXL: Website | Twitter | Join an Event
Digital Therapeutics Podcast would not be possible without the support of leading DTx organizations. Thank you to:
> Presenting Partner: Amalgam Rx
> Contributing Partners and Sponsors: LSI | Bayer G4A | Lindus Health
Follow Digital Health Today:
Browse Episodes | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Follow Health Podcast Network:
Browse Shows | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
--------
40:10
Ep80: Deciphering the DiGA Law and Germany's Digital Therapeutics Landscape
In this episode of the DTx Podcast, Eugene Borukhovich hosts Philip Heimann, CEO of Vivira, a prominent player in the DTx landscape in Germany.
"The genesis of Vivira was the need for personalized movement therapy - we wanted to provide people with a solution that was made just for them," says Philip.
This necessity led to the development of an innovative digital therapeutic solution that has made a significant impact in the market.
Eugene and Philip dive into the profound impact of the DiGA law in Germany, passed in 2019, on Vivira's market growth. This legislation enabled general reimbursement and physician involvement in prescribing the app, marking a pivotal turning point for the company and the broader DTx landscape in Germany.
In addition, Philip sheds light on the challenges faced by DTx startups in understanding the market complexities and securing suitable funders. He stresses the importance of selecting investors who can offer long-term support and emphasizes the significance of focusing on long-term goals and building high-value companies.
1. [05:30] What challenges did Vivira face in the early stages, being almost exclusively angel-funded, and how did this contribute to the development of their DTx solution?
2. [10:45] What pivotal role has the DiGA law played in enabling Viveira's growth in the market, and what are the implications of this legislation for other DTx companies in Germany?
3. [15:20] How has Vivira's approach of not starting in the direct-to-consumer market and focusing on the DIGA prescription model influenced its journey and success in the DTx space?
4. [20:10] What is the significance of high-quality clinical evidence, particularly RCT studies, for achieving permanent listing under the DiGA law?
5. [25:40] What are the challenges and potential solutions regarding the activation of digital therapies prescribed by doctors?
6. [30:15] As a serial entrepreneur, what critical advice does Philip have for DTX startups in navigating the complexities of the market and choosing investors?
Join us on the DTx Podcast for valuable insights into the world of digital therapeutics, covering topics from legislative impacts to entrepreneurial advice. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest episodes and continue exploring the dynamic realm of DTx.
Guest Links and Resources:
Connect with Phillip Heimann on LinkedIn
Visit Vivira
Host Links:
Connect with Eugene Borukhovich: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with Chandana Fitzgerald, MD: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with YourCoach.health: Website | Twitter
Check out Shot of Digital Health with Eugene and Jim Joyce: Website | Podcast App
HealthXL: Website | Twitter | Join an Event
Digital Therapeutics Podcast would not be possible without the support of leading DTx organizations. Thank you to:
> Presenting Partner: Amalgam Rx
> Contributing Partners and Sponsors: LSI | Bayer G4A | Lindus Health
Follow Digital Health Today:
Browse Episodes | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Follow Health Podcast Network:
Browse Shows | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
--------
35:10
Replay: Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain Management
In this episode, we hear from Josh Sackman, President and Co-founder of AppliedVR. AppliedVR, in their own words, provide virtual reality-based treatments that represent a comprehensive approach to chronic pain that empowers patients with accessible digital tools self-managed in their own home.
In this episode, we cover:
The origin story of AppliedVR
Transitioning from an app store for health VR to focus pain management market
Patient experience and the pain management pipeline
Funding journey and key funding milestones
The scientific hypothesis of "mind over matter" behind AppliedVR's approach and evidence generation journey
The FDA approval process for AppliedVR and lessons learned for entrepreneurs.
AppliedVR's current business hypothesis and scaling plan
Market channels and scaling VR
Guest Links and Resources:
Connect with Josh Sackman on LinkedIn
Visit www.appliedvr.io
Host Links:
Connect with Eugene Borukhovich: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with Chandana Fitzgerald, MD: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with YourCoach.health: Website | Twitter
Check out Shot of Digital Health with Eugene and Jim Joyce: Website | Podcast App
HealthXL: Website | Twitter | Join an Event
Digital Therapeutics Podcast would not be possible without the support of leading DTx organizations. Thank you to:
> Presenting Partner: Amalgam Rx
> Contributing Partners and Sponsors: Akili | Big Health | Click Therapeutics | Lindus Health | Orion Pharma
Follow Digital Health Today:
Browse Episodes | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Follow Health Podcast Network:
Browse Shows | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
--------
40:58
Replay: The App Preventing Cognitive Decline
In this replay episode, we hear from Sylvain Piquet, COO and Co-founder of Five Lives, the app that leverages the new science of brain aging, neuroplasticity, and cognitive reserve to help people improve their brain health and prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
In this episode, we cover:
The origin story of Five Lives and the motivation behind focusing on dementia and cognitive decline.
The demographics benefitting from using Five Lives
Gamifying behaviour change
Evidence generation and funding journey
The advantages of direct-to-consumer distribution through the app store
How digital therapeutics can fit within the NHS
The challenges of implementing DTx across UK, French, and German markets
Guest Links and Resources:
Connect with Sylvain Piquet on LinkedIn
Visit www.fivelives.health
Host Links:
Connect with Eugene Borukhovich: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with Chandana Fitzgerald, MD: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with YourCoach.health: Website | Twitter
Check out Shot of Digital Health with Eugene and Jim Joyce: Website | Podcast App
HealthXL: Website | Twitter | Join an Event
Digital Therapeutics Podcast would not be possible without the support of leading DTx organizations. Thank you to:
> Presenting Partner: Amalgam Rx
> Contributing Partners and Sponsors: Akili | Big Health | Click Therapeutics | Lindus Health | Orion Pharma
Follow Digital Health Today:
Browse Episodes | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Follow Health Podcast Network:
Browse Shows | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Host Eugene Borukhovich explores how non-molecular therapies and interventions can prevent, manage or even cure diseases. Learn about the rapidly evolving field of Digital Therapeutics, its history, the evolving regulatory and reimbursement frameworks, and the trailblazers creating and advancing this industry.
Italia