Happify Health partners with Biogen on multiple sclerosis patient engagement tool

Digital therapeutic maker Happify Health is partnering with neuroscience-focused pharma company Biogen on a digital engagement and education platform for multiple sclerosis.

The product will include Happify’s community for people living with MS, as well as access to neurology providers like doctors and nurses, mental health professionals, dietitians and rehabilitation professionals. Biogen will contribute educational content and patient care resources.

“This collaboration is one of many ways we are focused on supporting patients by meeting them where they are. The combination of Biogen’s expertise in neuroscience and our commitment to digital health, along with Happify Health’s AI and digital therapeutic capabilities, will help drive a connected and comprehensive experience that allows patients to feel supported throughout their journey,” Jason Hawbecker, head of strategic partnerships and collaborations at Biogen, said in a statement.

“We are excited about the potential of this partnership to provide overall support for the MS community.”

WHY IT MATTERS

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nearly one million people have MS in the U.S. The disease can cause symptoms like numbness or tingling, weakness, difficulty walking, vision problems and dizziness. 

Happify is pitching the collaboration as a way to improve a patient’s care journey and keep them informed about their condition.

“It can be challenging for people living with MS to stay up-to-date with the latest treatments, interpret new symptoms or investigate changes in their health that may or may not be related to MS,” Ofer Leidner, president of Happify Health, said in a statement.

“We are providing the MS community with a solution configured to accommodate their specific needs, as well as opportunities to engage with experts, receive curated content and discuss disease management with other community members. We are very excited to partner with Biogen on this opportunity given their leadership in the MS space.”

THE LARGER TREND

Happify has been on a partnership tear in recent months. Earlier this month, the digital therapeutic company announced a collaboration that is focused on women’s health with insurer Anthem, which is soon to be rebranded to Elevance Health.

In March, Happify entered into an agreement with healthcare-services and pharmaceutical company Zuellig Pharma to commercialize two of its prescription digital therapeutics in Asia.

The startup also recently launched a digital program for people with psoriasis in Spain, Italy and the U.K. as part of a partnership with Barcelona-based pharma company Almirall. Happify also closed a $73 million Series D funding round in March 2021.

Biogen isn’t new to the digital health space either. In May, it entered into a licensing agreement with prescription digital therapeutics startup MedRhythms to develop and commercialize its MR-004 product, which aims to improve mobility for people with multiple sclerosis.