Health Tech Against COVID-19 & More News

Health Tech Responds to COVID-19

Catalyst @ Health 2.0 has created an inventory of information on 140+ innovators and their active efforts to support the response to COVID-19. Through this new initiative, Health Tech Responds to COVID-19, Catalyst is committed to informing the public with thoughtful, curated content on digital health innovations tackling COVID-19. The website also features interviews and blog posts that capture the expert insights from leaders in the health care, information technology, and digital health space. 
 
If your company is working to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, or you have expert insights regarding the pandemic, we want to hear from you! Respond HERE. 

Apple Launches Screening and Resources Tool for COVID-19

Apple has announced the launch of a COVID-19 website and corresponding app. The tech giant is collaborating with the CDC, White House Coronavirus Task Force, and FEMA on the new screening and informational platform. Users are directed to next steps after answering questions designed to assess symptoms, risk, and exposure. Users can also tap into resources like Siri to ask questions regarding coronavirus symptoms, view resources from the CDC, and access directions to telehealth apps. As coronavirus cases top 700,000 worldwide, organizations like Apple are mobilizing to offer help at point-of-care. 

FDA Gives Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Malaria Drugs for COVID-19

Despite current limited evidence to support their efficacy, the FDA has granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for two oral formulations of closely related malaria drugs to treat COVID-19. The EUA includes restrictions regarding prescription requirements and the governing bodies in charge of issuing the drug supply. The agency issued the EUA to facilitate the drugs’ availability for patients for whom clinical trials are unavailable or for whom participation is not feasible.

FDA Approves Landmark Allergy Drug & More News

FDA Approves First Peanut Allergy Drug

Palforzia becomes the first FDA-approved medicine designed to lower the likelihood of severe allergic reactions to peanut products. Developed by California-based Aimmune Therapeutics, the oral immunotherapy can reduce life-threatening allergic reactions in children and is intended to be used in conjunction with strict peanut avoidance. An estimated 1.6mm children and teenagers in the United States have a peanut allergy. Even with mindful avoidance, unintentional exposure occurs. While the vote in favor of approving the drug was 7-2, the dissenting members of the FDA advisory voiced concerns regarding the drug’s efficacy and safety. 

Digital Platform for Musculoskeletal Pain Raises $90mm

Hinge Health, a digital health startup that targets musculoskeletal disorders (MSK), has raised $90mm in a Series C round. The company’s solution uses wearable sensors to track a person’s physical therapy progress, and connects them with health coaches through an app. The company aims to help users improve their chronic joint and back pain from the comfort of their homes. Hinge Health currently sells directly to employers and has already inked partnerships with retailers like Walgreens and health plans like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. The company plans to use the influx of funding to continue to scale the company. 

$600mm Humana Venture to Focus on Development of Senior Care Centers

Humana and private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS) have partnered in a $600mm joint venture to develop senior-focused primary care centers for Medicare patients. WCAS’ General Partner cites a “significant, unmet need for value-based, senior-focused primary care” as a major reason for the venture. The development of the care centers will fall under Humana’s senior-focused care subsidiary, Partners in Primary Care, which currently has 47 centers across the United States. This new venture would effectively double the number of their clinics over the next three years and has  a special focus on developing senior care centers in underserved communities where access to quality care is limited.

AI, DTx at the Forefront in 2020 & More News

Digital Health Experts Needed for International Forum

The IDIH Project (International Digital Health Cooperation for Preventive, Integrated, Independent and Inclusive Living) is seeking digital health experts who are interested in collaborating on a sustainable platform for international cooperation in digital health. IDIH is a project funded under the European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, bringing together prominent organizations from EU and five Strategic Partner Countries (Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the USA) to promote and increase international collaboration, advance digital health, and support active and healthy aging through innovation. 

IDIH is looking for individuals whose expertise is in alignment with the following focus areas: preventative care, integrated care, independent and connected living, and inclusive living. 

If you would like to be a part of our expert driven Digital Health Transformation Forum, please send your CV with a short explanation on why you are interested in becoming an Expert Group member or Chair to experts@idih-global.eu by January 31st, 2020. 

Act fast—experts are chosen on a rolling basis!

Digital Therapeutics Expected to Advance Despite Recent Losses 

Despite the recent string of failed collaborations between digital therapeutics (DTx) and pharmaceutical companies, the DTx sector is predicted to grow in the coming year. Richard Close, an analyst at Canaccord Genuity, suggests that key players in the health care arena are attuned to the benefits of DTx solutions for treating patients. One such player is Express Scripts, the largest independent manager of pharmacy benefits in the U.S., whose formulary highlights vetted DTx offerings from companies like Livongo, WellDoc, SilverCloud Health, and Learn to Live. Though consumers are still waiting for clinical validation of DTx through the pharma partnerships, both DTx developers and key care management stakeholders remain optimistic about the value of DTx for clinical uses. 

“Re-Humanization” of Medicine through AI

A report from the social-listening platform Digimind reveals that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will continue to be a priority for health care and technology sectors in 2020. The boom of value-based care and patient centric models of operation showcase a desire to “re-humanize” medicine—allowing practitioners to spend more time with the patient and less with paperwork. In recent years, the development of AI and ML has been focused on their ability to make accurate interpretations of diagnostic screenings and to extract key data from patient records. The digital health space can expect to see further development of AI’s medical sensitivity and accuracy to maximize output at the lowest cost. 

VA Expands Use of Telehealth and Digital Sensors & More News

VA’s Modernized Approach with Telehealth and Sensors

Since the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the “Anywhere to Anywhere” initiative in May 2018, VA health care teams have been able to treat veterans regardless of their location-- which has contributed to a surge in telehealth adoption. In a recent announcement, the VA reported a 17% increase in telehealth visits from the previous fiscal year. More than 900,000 veterans adopted virtual care. With studies supporting telehealth’s ability to reach vets in rural areas, expand mental health care services, and improve clinical efficiency, the VA hopes to further telehealth’s reach. The agency is looking to expand the Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS) program, which provides care for veterans who live long distances from VA medical centers or have poor internet connections. The program will now pilot at American Legion Posts, Veterans of Foreign War posts, and Walmart stores across America.

The VA is also turning to digital sensors to tackle the problem of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Currently, 15 VA Medical Center use Podimetrics, a smart sensor mat designed for a patient’s home. It analyzes foot temperature variations to predict/prevent the occurence of potential ulcers. The user stands on the mat for 20 seconds, then the data is analyzed and sent to the Podimetrics care team. The team examines and triages the data and works with the patient’s physician on preventative treatments and coaching. In a study led by the VA, Podimetrics detected 97% of developing ulcers on average 5 weeks before it would be clinically detected. With more than 75,000 vets suffering from DFU last year, the VA hopes the regional rollout of Podimetrics will help more diabetic vets.

Singapore’s AI Strategy: National Retina-based Screening

Singapore is counting on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to catalyze the nation’s economy and its citizens’ well-being. During the SFF X SWITCH (Singapore Fintech Festival and Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology) Conference, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Heng Swee Keat, announced the country’s national AI strategy for five priority areas: transport/logistics, smart cities, health care, education, and safety/security.

For health, Singapore’s AI strategy will focus on chronic disease management and prevention. In three years, it hopes to launch Selena+, a system that analyzes retinal photographs across the nation for diabetes screening. By 2025, it aims to develop a retina-based risk score for high glucose, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (3H) related cardiovascular disease. By 2030, the nation hopes to collaborate with industry partners to develop AI models for 3H.

Grow Your Senior Care Solution with GuideWell’s Scale Up Accelerator Program!

GuideWell is hosting an exciting eight week health and wellness technology accelerator program for innovators who have solutions that provide affordable, accessible health care or holistic solutions for diverse aging populations. With the number of Americans over 65 projected to hit 71 million by 2030, GuideWell is seeking solutions that address critical problems faced by America’s rapidly growing senior population. 

GuideWell is particularly interested in solutions in the following areas:

• Novel approaches to increase the affordability and accessibility of health care for seniors that are economically challenged, or that are cared for by a working family member

• Easy-to-use solutions that enable seniors to improve overall physical and emotional wellness

• Solutions that connect seniors into their communities

The program begins January 23rd, 2020 and will consist of a two-day kickoff boot camp, followed by weekly mentoring sessions and a series of virtual workshops that focus on challenges in the health care industry (e.g. customer acquisition, regulatory compliance, etc.). It will culminate in a curated Investor Matchmaking Showcase at GuideWell’s Innovation Center in Orlando, FL on March 9th, 2020, where companies will have the amazing opportunity to present their innovative technologies to investors. 

If you have a solution that can empowers seniors across the nation, apply today! Applications close December 8th, 2019. 

https://guidewellinnovation.com/guidewell-scale-up-accelerator

Mastercard, Apple Target Health Care Product Offerings & More News

Mastercard Announces Health Cybersecurity Venture

Mastercard is the latest services giant to dive into the health care industry. At the 2019 HLTH Conference in Las Vegas, NV, the firm announced that it will be launching Mastercard Healthcare Solutions, a product suite of data security offerings aimed at payers and providers. In an effort to protect valuable health and financial information from data breaches, an issue that has severely crippled health systems in recent years, this collection of software products aims to integrate AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to help payers curb fraud and enable providers to use more effective billing strategies to improve revenue cycle management.

Baby Boomers Targeted by Big Tech and Startups

In anticipation of the silver tsunami, Silicon Valley’s key players are offering products and services that fit the needs of the largest consumers of health services: baby boomers. Companies like Apple and Eargo are tackling hearing loss, a condition that research has shown to be a major barrier to the adoption of tech in older populations. This past June, Apple announced a feature that would alert Apple Watch users if environmental noise or smart technology audio is too loud, and Eargo now integrates their hearing aids with a companion app to provide a comprehensive auditory and social network. Efforts such as these are aiming to close the digital divide between generations as well as targeting a sector that is in need of innovation.

Applications for GuideWell’s Caring for Caregivers Challenge Close Nov. 15 - Act Fast!

There is only one month left to apply to GuideWell’s Caring for Caregivers Challenge, a competition that seeks team-based approaches that have the potential to improve the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients. GuideWell believes it “takes a village” to sustainably support family caregivers and that single point solutions are typically not broad enough to provide necessary relief. The challenge seeks comprehensive approaches that connect caregivers to resources, technologies, corporate benefits, and community networks to help them with their unique health/wellness needs. 

If you are an organization or non-profit with a novel approach that promotes healthy and happy lifestyles for caregivers and their families, apply today for the chance to win up to $100,000! https://guidewellinnovation.com/health-innovation-challenge/

Medication Adherence Facilitated by Smartphones & More News

Study Shows Wireless Tech Effective for Medication Adherence

A recent study explored the effects of wirelessly observed therapy (WOT) on medication adherence in tuberculosis (TB) patients. WOT includes an ingestible sensor and external wearable patch paired with a mobile device that detects and records the ingestion of medication. Researchers found WOT was as accurate as in-person observations and better at supporting confirmed daily adherence. In addition, patients preferred WOT over in-person observation. Medication adherence is crucial to treat TB and prevent its spread; thus, WOT may be an impactful method to facilitate patients’ self-management of their medications and ensure they complete their treatment.

Amazon's Textract Innovates Simple Optical Character Recognition

Amazon has made its next leap into the digital health market. Textract is the latest of Amazon’s AI and Cloud tools to become HIPAA eligible. The technology reduces labour intensive work like manual data entry by accurately and effectively analyzing documents using machine learning-- bypassing the need for human intervention or customization. Textract is already being explored by companies such as Cambia Health Solutions and Change Healthcare to optimize care coordination and streamline administrative processes. The ability to customize Textract and utilize it in HIPAA compliant ways, will expand how health care providers can use the tool.

Smartphone-based Interventions Can Positively Impact Behavior

A study conducted by researchers at Stanford University found that behavioral interventions, delivered through a smartphone, significantly increased daily short-term physical activity. The trial was run through the MyHeart Counts App. Following a baseline period, participants were assigned one of four different smartphone-based interventions such as hourly prompts and personalized coaching messages. Results indicated that all four interventions significantly increased mean step count when compared to baseline, suggesting that digital interventions delivered via mobile apps can impact behavior. In addition, the medium through which the study itself was conducted, an iPhone, illustrates how technology can reduce barriers to entry for individuals to participate in research. This study is the latest to examine the intersection between research and health tech, highlighting the interest in digital behavioral tracking and optimization.

Announcing CalMHSA's Help@Hand Project!

According to the California Health Care Foundation, from 2012-2014, nearly 20% of Californian adults who sought mental health treatment did not receive it. It is believed that these figures may even be understated, as The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has cited that nearly 60% of American adults with mental illness do not receive any treatment. Unmet mental health needs in California are attributed to a lack of access to appropriate services and providers, as well as the cost of care, a factor that is often exacerbated by a lack of health insurance.

While traditional mental health services play an important role in supporting those in need, novel technologies can complement standard care delivery and provide individuals and communities with more accessible and optimized mental health services that focus on prevention, early intervention, family support, and social connectedness. 

The Help@Hand Project is a California statewide collaborative project to bring technology-based mental health solutions to the public mental health system through a highly innovative “suite” of digital solutions. The project aims to expand access to mental health services by engaging and treating individuals that are underserved in the current traditional care delivery model. With technology becoming an integral part of everyday life, the collaborative hopes to leverage familiar devices as means to connect and better serve those in need. This Help@Hand project will utilize applications on smartphones, tablets, digital devices, or computers as a tool to engage, support and give access to treatment using innovative virtual engagement strategies. Focus areas include:

1.            Peer Chat and Digital Therapeutics

2.            Virtual Evidence Based Therapy Utilizing an Avatar

3.            Passive Data Collection for Early Detection and Intervention

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is an independent administrative and fiscal government agency focused on the efficient delivery of California mental health projects. CalMHSA members work together to develop, fund, and implement mental health services, projects, and educational programs. As of June 2019, 56 counties and 2 cities are active members of CalMHSA.

The CalMHSA collaborative is currently funding a large-scale initiative to pilot and deploy digital platforms that expand the capacity and capability of county mental health systems. If you are a technology vendor looking for the opportunity to pilot your mental health and well-being digital solution with counties in California, please apply today for a chance to be part of this amazing initiative!

How It Works

What Applicants Need to Know:  The multi-year innovation project will consist of a RFSQ open application period (September 12th – October 7th, 2019) and a subsequent pilot period that allows the opportunity for vendors to be added to the Help@Hand Product Portfolio. After a vendor is included in the “Tech Suite,” all counties participating in the project can view company and product profiles and may choose to implement technologies at a larger scale.

Applications close on October 7th, 2019 – Act fast! Learn more here.

Announcing the RWJF Innovation Challenge Finalists To Compete Live at the Health 2.0 Conference!

Catalyst is excited to announce the finalists for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Home and Community Based Care and Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenges! The three finalists from each Challenge will compete in an exciting Live Pitch on September 16th, from 2:30-4:30pm, at this year’s Health 2.0 Conference in Santa Clara, CA. They will demo their technology in front of a captivated audience of health care professionals, investors, provider organizations, and members of the media. The first place winners will be featured on the Conference Main Stage, September 17th at 3:15pm. Winners will be awarded $40,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $10,000 for third place.

If you are attending the Health 2.0 Conference, join us to see the finalists showcase their innovative solutions. 

Home & Community Based Care Innovation Challenge Finalists

• Heal - Heal doctor house calls paired with Heal Hub remote patient monitoring and telemedicine offer a complete connected care solution for patients with chronic conditions.

• Ooney - PrehabPal, a home-based web-app for older adults, delivers individualized prehabilitation to accelerate postoperative functional recovery and return to independence after surgery.

• Wizeview - A company that uses artificial intelligence to automate and organize information collected during home visits, supporting the management of medically complex populations at the lowest cost per encounter.

Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge Finalists

• Community Resource Network - The Social Determinants of Health Client Profile, a part of the Community Resource Network, creates a whole-person picture across physical, behavioral, and social domains to expedite help for those most at risk, fill in the gaps in care, and optimize well-being.

• Open City Labs - A company that matches patients with community services and government benefits that address SDoH seamlessly. The platform will integrate with HIEs to automate referrals, eligibility screening & benefits enrollment.

• Social Impact AI Lab - New York - A consortium of nonprofit social services agencies and technology providers with artificial intelligence solutions to address social disconnection in child welfare.

For the SDoH Challenge, innovators were asked to develop novel digital solutions that can help providers and/or patients connect to health services related to SDoH. Over 110 applications were submitted to the SDoH Challenge. For the Home and Community Based Care Challenge, applicants were asked to create technologies that support the advancement of at-home or community-based health care. Nearly 100 applications for Home and Community Based Care Challenge were received. After the submission period ended, an expert panel comprised of subject matter experts, venture capitalists, as well as designers evaluated the entries. Five semi-finalists from each challenge were selected to advance to the next round and further develop their solutions. The semi-finalists were evaluated again and the three finalists chosen. 

For further updates on the finalists of the RWJF SDoH and Home and Community Based Care Innovation Challenge and other programs, please subscribe to the Catalyst @ Health 2.0 Newsletter, and follow us on Twitter @catalyst_h20.

House Calls are Making a Comeback

Although house calls evoke flashbacks to the 1900s, startups like DispatchHealth and Heal are making a case for them in this tech-enabled world. Both startups reimagine traditional house calls with mobile technology that allow patients to request on-demand care. In this care delivery model, the clinician arrives at the patient’s home within two hours and focuses on common health concerns like the flu, UTIs, stomach viruses, respiratory conditions, etc. The dispatched clinician then shares detailed notes to the patient’s primary care provider to ensure care is coordinated and no information is lost. 

In 2018, Heal raised $27M in Series A funding and has steadily expanded its service area and partnerships. While Heal continues to build on their company, DispatchHealth announced this month they have gained $33M in growth capital financing. DispatchHealth also added Kaiser Permanente (Colorado) to their list of health insurers, which includes Medicaid, Medicare, Cigna, Aetna, and more. The new investment will allow DispatchHealth to extend its service area coverage and develop new partnerships. With the ever growing consumer demand for healthcare at home, we can expect startups like Heal and DispatchHealth and house calls to become more prominent.