Digital therapeutics (also known as DTx) deliver evidence-based intervention that replaces or complements a disease's treatment. DTx enable remote management, improve prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, making treatment delivery direct and personalised via software or complementary medical device.
-Companion software in the patient journey: DTx influences the patients' behaviour without using a pill (medication-free treatment), but using a support system.
-Regulation: DTx are heavily regulated, need to go through clinical testing to demonstrate safety and efficacy. The necessity for clinical evidence helps to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy done by the software, but also the possible reimbursement by insurers and prescription by professionals.
For instance, in September 2020, Germany was the first European country to cover prescribed apps: e.g. Kalmeda (tinnitus), Velibra (anxiety).