Looking to the rheumatology space, UK-based digital health company Ampersand Health is rolling out a new product called My Arthritis DTx to support patients with inflammatory arthropathies.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis can use the tool to self-manage their condition. It provides users with educational resources and courses, and can connect to their clinical team if their UK National Trust uses the tool. Patients can asynchronously communicate with their care teams.

Patients using the tool can tap into cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness services. The tool also lets users track their arthritis over time, as well as monitor their physical health, mental health and sleep.

Currently, the product is in clinical trials. This marks Ampersand Health's second digital product. Its first product, My IBD Care, focuses on helping individuals with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

WHY IT MATTERS

Inflammatory arthropathies are very common. In fact, more than 54 million people in the U.S. have arthritis, according to the CDC.

The agency says that age increases the likelihood of the condition, as well as obesity. Patients can manage the condition through education programs, activities and losing weight, according to the agency.

THE LARGER TREND

Several digital health companies are working on products to support arthritis patients. In June, SidekickHealth partnered with Pfizer to launch an app aimed at helping patients with diseases including rheumatoid arthritis manage their conditions from home. The deal is thought to be worth more than $8 million.

The interest in the space has long a history. In 2018, MyHealthTeams announced a deal to join forces with UCB to add a new spondyloarthritis social network. UCB has also worked with Garmin on a wellness program for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Swedish startup Joint Academy raised $23 million in Series B round of funding in September 2020 for its clinical evidence-based digital treatment for chronic joint pain, which connects patients with licensed physical therapists. Formerly called Artho Therapeutics, its total funding raise comes to $34.2 million.