Digital health company Mango Health, which makes a gamified app for patient engagement and medication adherence, has announced a strategic investment from — and longterm partnership with — Express Scripts, the largest pharmacy benefit management organization in the United States. The amount of the investment was undisclosed.
Through the deal, Express Scripts’ 85 million clients will have access to Mango Health’s mobile apps, which allow users to track their medications and health habits and encourage medication adherence through raffles for rewards. Furthermore, the application will be integrated with Express Script’s own mobile offerings.
“Our experience has taught us that when patients are active participants in their health, they achieve better health outcomes,” Glen Stettin, senior vice president and chief innovation officer at Express Scripts, said in a statement. “Mango Health’s success in keeping patients engaged in their care through fun, user-friendly mobile applications is a natural extension of the care our pharmacists provide to our members. We look forward to bringing together our unique capabilities to motivate patients and encourage positive and healthy behaviors.”
The new combined offerings will give users access to support and advice from Express Scripts specialist pharmacists, prepopulated medication lists and prescription refills, and more information about possible medication safety concerns and cost saving opportunities.
“Our track record of engaging patient populations daily, combined with Express Scripts’ clinical expertise and commitment to patient-centered care, creates a unique opportunity for innovative programs that improve health outcomes,” Mango Health CEO Jason Oberfest said in a statement. “We’re honored to partner with one of the leaders in U.S. healthcare.”
Founded by veterans of from mobile gaming company ngmoco, Mango Health launched in 2012 as something of a poster child for gameification in healthcare. It’s original bent was direct-to-consumer, but the company began to focus more on the provider business, including pharmacy benefit managers, in 2014 when they raised $5.3 million Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
The app has demonstrated some staying power and frequently appears on Apple’s top healthcare app lists. The company has also raised at least $8.3 million in funding.