At the recent Frontiers Health conference, Nicole Raleigh, web editor at pharmaphorum, had the opportunity to sit down with Marcus Bates, Vice President and Head of Global Business Development and Global Head of Respiratory at Aptar Digital Health. Their discussion delved into the evolving landscape of digitally augmented therapies and the strides Aptar Digital Health has made over the past year.
Digitally augmented therapies: Defining the Future
During the panel discussion on digitally augmented therapies moderated by Megan Coder of the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe), Bates highlighted the varying definitions and applications of these therapies. He emphasised the importance of understanding the spectrum, from prescription digital therapeutics (DTx) to less regulated patient support programs. The panel also explored the new FDA guidance on regulated software, which Bates believes will aid in the integration and acceptance of these technologies within healthcare systems.
Aptar Digital Health’s milestones
Reflecting on the past year, during his interview with Nicole Raleigh, Bates shared significant milestones for Aptar Digital Health. One notable achievement was the enterprise agreement with Biogen, where Aptar took over the responsibility for some of Biogen’s digital assets in neurology and rare diseases. This move underscores Biogen’s continued commitment to digital health, leveraging Aptar’s expertise to develop future digital solutions.
Aptar Digital Health has also been active in acquisitions and strategic partnerships, enhancing its capabilities and market presence. In 2024, they announced partnerships with SHL Medical, Gerresheimer, Legit.Health, and IonaMind. Bates highlighted the acquisition of Healint, which brought the popular migraine management app, Migraine Buddy, into their fold. With over 3.7 million downloads, this app exemplifies the potential of direct-to-consumer digital health solutions.
Enhancing patient experience
Aptar Digital Health’s focus on patient experience was another key topic. Bates discussed a program initiated in the US in collaboration with speciality pharmacies to improve patient training and support for subcutaneous self-injection therapies. By providing dummy training kits and digital experiences, they saw significant improvements in patient adherence and retention. This initiative highlights the critical role of patient education and support in the successful adoption of digital health solutions.
Industry evolution and challenges
Bates acknowledged the evolving nature of the digital health industry, noting that, despite its growth, it remains relatively nascent. He pointed out the ongoing regulatory developments and the challenges posed by funding constraints. However, he also expressed optimism about the future, citing the resilience and innovation within the industry.
Looking ahead
As the interview concluded, Bates shared his positive outlook for 2025. With numerous projects and clinical studies underway, he believes that both Aptar Digital Health and the broader industry are well-positioned for continued growth and success. The conference underscored the potential of digitally augmented therapies to transform patient care, and Bates is confident that the future holds even greater promise.
The insights from Marcus Bates at Frontiers Health 2024 highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of digitally augmented therapies. Aptar Digital Health’s achievements and ongoing initiatives reflect a commitment to enhancing patient care through innovative digital solutions. As the industry continues to mature, the integration of these technologies into mainstream healthcare promises to deliver significant benefits for patients worldwide.
