Mayo Clinic has partnered with smartphone application developer DoApps to form a new start-up, called mRemedy, which is focused on creating health apps for smartphones. mRemedy's apps will be based on Mayo Clinic's research and services. The first mRemedy app, Mayo Clinic Meditation, launched last week for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch. The app, which teaches users relaxation and breathing techniques costs $4.95 and is based on a program created by Mayo professor Dr. Amit Sood.

mRemedy told MedCity News it has sold some 200 apps since launching.

Mayo believes that mRemedy will help distribute its products beyond the traditional care setting and will generate revenue thanks to the booming smartphone apps market, Kathy Anderson, a spokeswoman for Mayo’s Office of Intellectual Property told MedCity News.

Mayo's partner Rochester-based DoApps created two apps, myLite and mLighter, which became "Top Apps of 2008," according to Apple. mLite was a flash light program (more or less makes the phone's screen turn all white), but it was the 27th most downloaded free application in 2008.

Check out this video below, which demonstrates mRemedy's first smartphone app: