Digital Health Coffee Time Briefing ☕

Your morning summary of digital health news, information and events to know about if you want to be “in the know”.

👇 News 

🤝 Orion Corporation and Newel Health have entered into a license agreement regarding ODD-403 (“Rohkea”), a digital therapeutic (DTx) developed by Orion for patients suffering from chronic pain and particularly from fear of movement and re-injury. Under the terms of the agreement, Newel will have the exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise ODD-403. Orion is entitled to receive royalty from the sales of the product as well as sales milestone payments.

🩸 Kalium Health, a medtech start-up backed by Kidney Research UK to develop the world’s first blood potassium rapid self-test, is now recruiting patients into a pioneering new clinical study. The study will involve around 100 UK kidney patients testing Kalium Health’s technology. The aim is to evaluate performance and usability of Kalium’s rapid, handheld potassium test compared to traditional, costly hospital-based instruments restricted to professional use. A successful outcome will pave the way for the company’s planned regulatory approval and market entry where their technology will enable more modern, cost-effective treatments. 

👵 Alcove, the pioneers of virtual care technology solutions, has announced a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionise the world of elderly care. The company, following an OJEU tender process, has successfully secured the ground-breaking partnership contract with Norfolk County Council, marking a momentous achievement in the realm of virtual care services. No other Council has commissioned Virtual Care formally yet. The partnership between Alcove and Norfolk Council signifies a pivotal step forward in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for elderly and vulnerable individuals residing in Norfolk. Through this collaboration, Alcove will leverage its cutting-edge virtual care technology to empower residents with innovative tools and support systems that enable them to live more independent and connected lives. 

💰 An orthopaedic equipment manufacturer is the latest to secure backing from Made Smarter’s trailblazing adoption programme. Beagle Orthopaedic, a manufacturer of braces, bespoke products and custom fabricated devices, is among the latest wave of businesses to get funding from the government-funded, industry-backed initiative. It means 300 businesses have now received matched funding to adopt technologies as diverse as sensors, robotics, 3D printing and AI. The Blackburn-based business is expected to significantly increase productivity after investing in a CNC sewing machine to automate its 2D/manual sewing process. 

📈 Almirall S.A., a global pharmaceutical company focused on medical dermatology, has strategically partnered with Microsoft to drive innovation and digital transformation, advance the research of medical solutions for dermatological diseases, and accelerate the digital transformation of the company. During this three-year collaboration, Almirall and Microsoft Industry Solutions, in collaboration with some Microsoft partners, will create a joint Digital Office to build on Almirall’s unified data platform, and drive digital innovation in drug discovery and development by harnessing generative AI and advanced analytics technologies. As part of this agreement, Almirall aims to apply its extensive R&D knowledge and expertise in drug discovery combined with Microsoft’s cutting-edge digital technologies to accelerate the development of innovative treatment options within medical dermatology. Within this partnership, Almirall plans to leverage generative AI for rapid analysis of extensive datasets creating a digital, agile, and patient-centric approach. 

❓ Did you know that? 

New research released on Time to Talk Day reveals nearly two thirds of people surveyed in the UK (64%) say they put a brave face on to avoid talking about their mental health. The tactic of bottling up is highest amongst younger people – 69% of 16–24-year-olds and 72% of 25-34 year-olds surveyed report they put a brave face on compared to 28% of over 75s. A total of 47% of people surveyed say the pressures of the last few years, for instance the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis has made them less likely to open up to avoid worrying others in difficult times. 

📖 What we’re reading 

ECRI Unveils Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2024 –  ECRI, an independent healthcare safety organisation, has released its annual Top 10 Health Technology Hazards list for 2024, highlighting critical safety concerns for healthcare providers and the medical device industry.

🚨 This week’s events 

Thursday 1 February, University of Oxford – Digital Care Hub, the Institute for Ethics in AI and Reuben College, Oxford, and Casson Consulting, co-host an AI roundtable event