Here, GOLD reviews the top stories in health technology from the past few months, highlighting four innovative examples of how tech is changing treatment landscapes and patient experiences today
Words by Jade Williams
New tinnitus therapeutic approved for US patients
A new non-invasive treatment for the tinnitus has been approved by FDA. The therapeutic, developed by Neuromod Devices, consists of Bluetooth-enabled headphones to play custom sounds to activate the auditory nerve, a device that sends mild electrical stimulation to the tongue and a controller for patients to adjust the duration and treatment intensity. The treatment has been deemed more effective than current standard of care, with 79.4% of trial members experiencing clinically significant improvement.
Gilead and VMLY&R collaborate on AI art campaign
VMLY&R Spain has transformed the testimonies of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) patients into digital paintings for Gilead Sciences. The project used generative AI to transform three patient accounts of the disease into artwork that represents the three most important emotional stages of mTNBC. The pieces were displayed in hospitals and congresses across Spain, and each painting was accompanied by a QR code that viewers could scan to access the original video interviews with the patients.
New supercomputer to fuel drug discovery in Japan
Two technology companies, Mitsui and NVIDIA, have joined forces to develop Tokyo-1, a supercomputer to help pharmaceutical companies in Japan to perform molecular dynamics simulations and generative artificial intelligence modelling. The technology aims to improve drug discovery in the country by reducing lead times, cutting costs and improving success rates. Tokyo-1 should be available by late 2023, and Astellas Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo and Ono Pharmaceuticals have already announced their intention to use it.
Chest monitoring wearable wins FDA approval
A new wearable device for monitoring conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure has received FDA 510(k) clearance. Developed by digital therapeutics company Respiree, the device works by measuring a patient’s breathing patterns in real time, allowing any exacerbations to be quickly identified by a healthcare professional. Helpfully, the wearable can be used in both hospital and home settings. HCPs can then provide preventative rather than reactive treatment.
