Will FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutics be able to follow wellness, chronic disease and sleep disorder apps onto the formularies of major payers? For digital therapeutics companies investing in randomized controlled clinical trials, GMP manufacturing and FDA submissions for products, the current absence of public health insurance coverage is frustrating.

Novartis announced it acquired digital therapeutics company Amblyotech, which uses gaming technology with 3-D glasses to help treat lazy eye.

PureTech Health has amassed niche expertise and built a unique structure that allows it to develop technologies for unmet needs, in the separate but related areas of brain-immune-gut. And now, with the experienced ex-Sanofi CEO Chris Viehbacher as interim chair, PureTech can target a smooth path to its next growth stages in the “BIG Axis.” Senior executives Eric Elenko and Joep Muijrers reveal more about the focus and aims of the Boston, US group.

Digital health initiatives are rapidly emerging in Asia amid robust innovation and rising R&D activities in the region, but there are still some hurdles to overcome. An executive from Pfizer talks to Scrip about some of the major trends, opportunities and challenges.