Ferrer launches open innovation challenges for digital solutions for ALS

Spanish pharmaceutical company Ferrer has launched an international open innovation initiative aimed at identifying start-ups with digital solutions for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Applications for the challenge opened on 21 June and remain open until 21 August. This initiative takes place within 4^th Version of the Ferrer4Future program, which helps address unmet clinical needs during ALS patient care.

Gemma Estrada, Head of Digital Health at Ferrer, said: “Ferrer takes a collaborative approach to setting up projects that will bring value to patients and the health care system. Connected to our dual purpose of contributing to the sustainability of care systems.

Start-ups need to demonstrate that their technology can make a positive impact on various areas of ALS care. For example, remote monitoring technology and wearable devices that help track patient data.

Ferrer is also exploring digital and technology-driven solutions that increase adherence and effectiveness of ALS treatments, such as digital therapeutics or patient assistance tools.

Ultimately, it hopes to discover solutions that can enhance the patient experience through care pathways such as patient education tools.

Solutions must be validated in the market place, and the challenge is open to all international start-ups.

The Ferrer4future program was developed by Ferrer to foster collaboration between organizations and start-ups. It aims to establish a collaborative platform where digital health solutions can be discovered, thereby bringing value across the patient care value chain.

The news comes just weeks after Femtech was given a similar boost with the announcement of a new initiative, the Health Innovation Network, designed to spur the development of technological solutions to address challenges in women’s health.