Digital Therapeutics

Digital Therapeutics (DTx) are evidence-based therapeutic interventions delivered directly to patients via high-quality software programs to prevent, manage, or treat a wide range of medical disorders and diseases. DTx products undergo rigorous clinical validation, similar to traditional pharmaceuticals and medical devices, to prove their safety, efficacy, and clinical meaningfulness. They are designed to drive behavioral and lifestyle changes, often incorporating principles from cognitive behavioral therapy, gamification, and personalized coaching, and can be used independently or in conjunction with other treatments.

DTx products significantly enhance patient care by offering accessible, personalized, and engaging interventions that extend beyond the traditional clinical setting. They can reach underserved populations, provide continuous support for chronic conditions, and empower patients to actively participate in their own health management from the comfort of their homes. For healthcare systems, DTx holds immense potential to improve treatment adherence, reduce the burden on clinicians, lower healthcare costs by potentially decreasing the need for in-person visits, and provide valuable real-world data for continuous improvement. As technology advances and regulatory pathways mature, Digital Therapeutics are poised to become an increasingly integral and indispensable component of modern, patient-centered healthcare.

Fatty liver disease is a fast-growing health concern linked to poor metabolism, often progressing silently until serious complications arise. In a collaborative project led by Dr. Eleftherios Mylonakis from Houston Methodist and Dr. Lei Li at Rice University, researchers are exploring how to detect early signs of liver damage using existing medical imaging, such as scans originally taken for other clinical reasons.

By applying advanced AI algorithms to these images, this team is uncovering subtle patterns that can indicate liver dysfunction long before symptoms appear. This approach has the potential to shift detection from reactive to proactive, identifying at-risk individuals earlier in the disease process.

But detection is just the beginning.

To support long-term health, the team is also developing digital therapeutics, simple, personalized apps and tools that help people make lifestyle changes and manage their condition day to day. These tools offer real-time coaching on diet, activity, and other behaviors that can improve liver health.