Novartis expands Pear partnership to tackle opioid and substance use disorder
pharmafile | April 23, 2018 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | Novartis, Pear Therapeutics, Sandoz, opioids, pharma, substance use disorder
Novartis has announced that it will expand its current partnership with Pear Therapeutics, signed in March, as it reveals that its generic and biologics arm Sandoz will work with the digital therapeutics firm to develop and commercialise prescription solutions to effectively treat substance use disorder (SUD).
The partnership will centre upon the commercialisation of reSET, Pear’s flagship digital product, which was approved by the FDA in September 2017 for the treatment of SUD. The pair also plan to deliver an alternative version, reSET-O, to patients with opioid use disorder who are currently receiving buprenorphine, should it secure FDA approval.
Both products hinge upon clinically proven methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy for treatment, delivered via mobile and desktop applications, and are designed to be used as a monotherapy or alongside drug treatment. Novartis and Pear aim to use these products to tackle the issues surrounding the treatment of SUD, such as inconsistent quality, limited accessibility, and its drain on professional medical resources which have led to poor treatment outcomes.
“The opioid crisis is taking a devastating and growing toll on our communities and we all have a role to play in helping find solutions that work for patients, families and communities,” commented Richard Francis, CEO of Sandoz. “Our agreement with Pear and its expertise in developing prescription digital therapeutics fits with our strategy to be a part of the solution to the issues plaguing people battling addiction, including opioids.”
Matt Fellows
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