LONDON, April 29,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Huma Therapeutics ("Huma"), a
leader in global digital health innovation, together with Merck
KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a
leading science and technology company, today announced the launch
of their innovative bladder cancer treatment companion app in the
United Kingdom. This collaboration
underscores Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Huma's joint commitment to
advancing patient-directed care and empowering patients and
caregivers throughout their cancer care pathway.
The UK launch marks a significant milestone in the partnership
between Huma and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced in November 2023. Additional markets are planned for
launch in the coming year, and may support delivery of care for a
range of cancers.
Enabling Better Care Experiences for Cancer Patients
The bladder cancer treatment companion app developed by Huma and
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is
designed to support patients and caregivers in navigating the
complexities of bladder cancer treatment by providing a reliable
source of information and support throughout the treatment journey.
Built in collaboration with healthcare professionals and leading
patient organisations, the app aims to provide patients with:
- Improved understanding of their treatment
- Better conversations with their care team
- Self-tracking of their health state
- Raising awareness of available holistic care services
- Encouraging connection with personal support network
- Expectation management and motivation through content
UK-based patient organisations and specialist cancer care
centres were involved in and piloting the bladder cancer treatment
journey app in advance of the launch.
Alex Filicevas, Executive Director at the World Bladder Cancer
Patient Coalition, emphasised the importance of the app in
supporting patients and caregivers through a complex treatment
journey: "It was a privilege to work alongside patients with
bladder cancer and their caregivers, helping to shape a new digital
resource for patients with bladder cancer to guide them through the
complex path of treatment. This initiative underscores our joint
dedication to fostering patient empowerment, shared decision-making
and community within healthcare delivery."
Joachim Chan, a consultant
clinical oncologist at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in
Liverpool, noted the importance of
patients being well-informed: "Although there is a wealth of
knowledge available to patients through various websites, patients
may understandably want a reliable source of information through a
single portal. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has collaborated with various
stakeholders to create an app to this end. This app will give clear
informative summaries of the treatment options available for
patients and relatives to absorb, so that they can approach
treatment with a more positive mindset, and by being well informed
about the effects that treatment may have on them, it would help
facilitate them to continue with their day-to-day living."
A Commitment to Advancing Patient Care
Dan Vahdat, Founder and CEO of
Huma, said: "We are excited to launch this innovative app in
partnership with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, furthering our mission to transform
healthcare with a digital-first approach. By empowering patients
with access to personalised resources and support, we believe we
can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by
bladder cancer."
Dr. Mert Aral, Chief Medical
Officer at Huma, said: "This initiative is designed to demystify
the often overwhelming journey faced by cancer patients. Our
objective is clear – to improve patients' understanding of their
condition, enable smooth navigation through complex care pathways,
and promote consistent adherence to their treatments. The UK debut
marks the inception of our partnership's endeavour to offer
comprehensive guidance and unwavering support to all individuals
battling cancer."
About Huma
Huma Therapeutics is a global digital health technology company
that advances digital-first care delivery and research to help
people live longer, fuller lives. Its award-winning technology
platform is used by more than 3,000 hospitals and clinics, with
over 1.8 million active users in healthcare and over 700,000
participants across research.
Huma's technology powers:
- virtual care tools ranging from digital-first screening and
population health initiatives to at-scale remote patient monitoring
(RPM)
- companion apps to support patients through treatment and drug
therapies
- digital clinical trials, including decentralised trials,
to accelerate medical research
Huma's regulated Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) platform is
the first disease- and device-agnostic platform to achieve EU MDR
Class IIb, US FDA 510(k) Class II and Saudi Class C regulatory
clearance. The SaMD platform is regulated to accept artificial
intelligence algorithms and monitor patients of all ages.
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huma-and-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany-launch-innovative-app-to-support-bladder-cancer-patients-302129825.html
SOURCE HUMA Therapeutics