Novartis has signed an agreement with Pear Therapeutics to develop and commercialise prescription digital therapeutics for patients with substance and opioid use disorders.
A digital therapeutic is a software application intended to provide effective treatment for diseases and enhance clinical outcomes for patients.
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The deal follows a similar collaboration between Novartis and Pear last month aimed at schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis patients.
Under the alliance, Sandoz, a subsidiary of Novartis, plans to combine its launching and commercialisation expertise with Pear’s experience in digital therapeutics design and implementation.
The partners will focus on Pear’s reSET digital therapeutic that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September last year for substance use disorder.
The companies will also work towards the commercialisation of reSET-O, after FDA approval, for opioid use disorder patients who are on buprenorphine therapy.
Sandoz CEO Richard Francis said: “The opioid crisis is taking a devastating and growing toll on our communities and we all have a role to play in helping find solutions that work for patients, families and communities.
“Our agreement with Pear and its expertise in developing prescription digital therapeutics fits with our strategy to be a part of the solution to the issues plaguing people battling addiction, including opioids.”
Digital therapeutics can be used as monotherapies or in conjunction with drug therapies, and have the potential to treat a variety of diseases.
Sandoz’s collaboration is part of its innovative digital health strategy aimed at developing technologies for several applications such as real-time data monitoring and better patient adherence.
