The Expanding Role of Digital Therapeutics in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Abstract

One of the few positive outcomes of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is that it has enhanced the pace of digitalisation of healthcare. Among various facets of digital health, Digital Therapeutics (DTx) is unique as it offers evidence-based interventions for preventing, managing, or treating specific disorders. It is different from wellness apps because it requires evidence from a clinical trial or real-world settings and is bound by regulatory approval and clearance. The DTx market is expected to grow exponentially in the post-COVID era, and there are multiple drivers for the same. After the onset of the pandemic, the viewpoint of various stakeholders of the DTx market, including the patients, prescribers, payers, and pharma industry, have changed significantly. Regulatory bodies have also started to realise the importance of DTx. This review provides an overview of the present status and future potential of DTx considering the COVID-19 pandemic.