Global Innovation Industry Ecosystem Forum Successfully Concludes, Focusing on Internationalization and Commercialization of Digital Therapeutics

As innovations in the global digital technology sector continue to emerge, digital technologies are increasingly integrated into all aspects and processes of social production and daily life. As an emerging field within the healthcare industry, digital therapeutics (DTx) is spearheading a revolutionary transformation in healthcare delivery models. By leveraging extensive digital technologies to enhance the efficiency of healthcare services, expand coverage, and reduce costs, DTx is reshaping the global healthcare industry ecosystem.

On August 26, 2023, inHai2023 World Digital Therapeutics Conference — Global Innovation Industry Ecosystem Forum, Held in HaikouThe event was kicked off by Mu Ai, Founding Partner of MaiBo Capital. Numerous industry leaders engaged in in-depth discussions on the internationalization and commercialization practices of digital therapeutics.

Mu Ai | Founding Partner, Maibo Capital

Conference Address

Zhang Yuhui | Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Health Commission, Deputy Director of the Health Development Research Center of the National Health Commission

Zhang Yuhui, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Health Commission and Deputy Director of the Health Development Research Center of the National Health CommissionHe believes that the development of digital therapeutics and the construction of a global innovation ecosystem align closely with Hainan’s strategic vision to establish itself as a World Digital Therapeutics Innovation Island. The formation of an innovation ecosystem requires key elements such as sources of innovative resources, application scenarios, active venture capital firms, comprehensive public services, and supportive policy frameworks—all of which are essential supports for building the World Digital Therapeutics Innovation Island. In the digital era, the need for regional clustering of these factors has diminished. He hopes that Hainan can take the lead in cultivating such an innovation ecosystem to support the development of the World Digital Therapeutics Innovation Island, making digital therapeutics a new engine for the leapfrog development of Hainan’s healthcare sector and industry. Meanwhile, he calls on medical experts, innovative enterprises, venture capital institutions, and other stakeholders to pay greater attention to Hainan and provide more guidance and support for the establishment of the World Digital Therapeutics Innovation Island.

Digital Pathology and AI-Driven Precision Diagnosis and Treatment

Zhang Jing | Vice President of the Yuhang Campus, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Director of the Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine

Zhang Jing, Vice President of the Yuhang Campus of The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Director of the Department of PathologyThe interconnection between pathology and digital therapeutics was discussed, with artificial intelligence permeating three key aspects of pathology: precision diagnosis, genetic prediction, and treatment efficacy assessment. However, digital pathology still faces numerous shortcomings, such as lagging policies and regulations, and data storage bottlenecks. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Medical Products Administration have jointly established an AI medical device platform, integrating digital pathology software functionalities to co-create precision diagnostics and promote end-to-end management of digital therapeutics.

Integration, Innovation, and Collaborative Development of Digital Health with Public Medical Insurance and Commercial Health Insurance

Xie Chen | Deputy Director, Strategic Development Department, Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University

The integration of digital health with public medical insurance and commercial health insurance is the key to achieving large-scale commercialization of digital health.Xie Chen, Deputy Director of the Strategic Development Department, Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking UniversityThis article first introduces the common challenges facing global healthcare systems and the rise of value-based care. It then explains how the integrated innovation of digital health with basic medical insurance and commercial insurance has become a core driver for the development of value-based care. Finally, based on this analysis, it proposes several measures and recommendations to promote the collaborative development of digital therapeutics companies and insurance institutions in China.

Reflections on the Development of the Digital Therapeutics Industry in Hainan

Ding Caihui | General Manager, Industrial Business Group, Hainan Eco-Software Park

Ding Caihui, General Manager of the Industrial Business Group, Hainan Ecological Software ParkIt is emphasized that the park serves as the core hub for Hainan’s development of the digital health industry, gathering the vast majority of China’s internet healthcare, health finance, pharmaceutical e-commerce, and digital supply chain enterprises for drugs and medical devices. It has also established the nation’s first blockchain pilot zone. The digital therapeutics industry is a key sector being vigorously advanced within the park, with efforts focused on catalyzing and accelerating its growth. In addition to Hainan’s 21 policy measures for developing digital therapeutics, the park offers comprehensive, multi-dimensional support services to enterprises, including empowerment in policy, technology, application scenarios, and finance.

Fuxing City Industrial Park: Digital Therapeutics Industry Planning and Development Opportunities

Yao Zhiguo | Deputy General Manager, Haikou Fuxing City Internet Information Industrial Park

Yao Zhiguo, Deputy General Manager of Haikou Fuxing City Internet Information Industrial ParkBased on the positioning of four major industrial clusters—digital trade, intelligent IoT, international headquarters, and professional services—the presentation shared the planning and development opportunities for the Digital Therapeutics Industry Base in Fuxing City. Specifically for digital therapeutics companies, the park not only empowers the implementation of digital therapeutics projects but also provides comprehensive operational services throughout the entire process. These include registration, site provision, access to various policies of the Free Trade Port, license applications, and a range of localized services, all offered free of charge with high efficiency.

Exploring the Application of AI-Enabled Digital Therapeutics Products

Gao Yunlong | General Manager, Zhilan Health

Gao Yunlong, General Manager of Zhilan HealthData sharing, algorithmic innovation, and service integration are defining characteristics of digital therapeutics (DTx). Companies present here must prioritize early-stage data accumulation, mid-stage data collection and research, and real-world studies to continuously refine algorithms and core models. Only in this way can DTx deliver greater value to enterprises and contribute meaningfully to the industry. Leveraging its intelligent digital platform, Zhilan Health integrates big data with artificial intelligence to deeply explore correlations between data and diseases, identify digital biomarkers, and provide partner companies with comprehensive health solutions covering end-to-end services. These services span from initial planning and later-stage product development to model and algorithm research, as well as post-launch real-world evidence generation and operational promotion support. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to jointly foster the robust development of the digital therapeutics industry.

Experience and Implications from International Industrial Innovation Practices in the Context of Globalization

From left to right: Liu Chongsheng | Secretary-General, Digital Therapeutics Professional Committee, China Association for Medical Device Industry; You Hongshun | Manager, Medical Products Division, CSA Group; Tao Hua | Technical Director, Mindray; Chen Yun | Business Development Manager for Medical Devices, BSI China; Yang Yifei | Director, Overseas Affairs Department, Tigermed Jietong

At the roundtable discussion, participants centered on the topic of “Insights from International Industrial Innovation Practices in the Context of Globalization,” focusing on how Chinese medical device manufacturers can navigate global regulations amid the challenges of digital transformation, and examining the differences between these international regulatory frameworks and China’s domestic regulatory policies.

Hong Shun, Manager of the Medical Products Division at CSA GroupChinese medical device companies seeking to enter the North American market should pay attention to the following three points: variations in standards across North America or between countries; compliance with state-specific regulatory requirements after obtaining FDA clearance; and adherence to FDA post-market surveillance throughout the product lifecycle.Chen Yun, Business Development Manager for Medical Devices, BSI ChinaIt points out that new regulatory frameworks have been established in the UK following Brexit, with an overall phased implementation strategy; however, it also faces the reality of delays in medical device regulatory regulations.Yang Yifei, Director of the Overseas Affairs Department at Tigermed JietongSouth Korea is at the forefront of the digital therapeutics industry, having issued the “Guidelines for the Review and Approval of Digital Therapeutics,” which standardize the review processes and criteria for digital therapeutics. Regarding scientific rationale and clinical evidence requirements for product mechanisms of action, submission documents should explain how scientific (clinical) evidence is applied to achieve the intended use of the product for patients.Tao Hua, Technical Director at MindrayIt highlights that digital therapeutics and AI-powered software are currently the key focus areas. The FDA represents the region with the most stringent regulatory requirements for software globally; if this software’s registration dossier secures FDA review and approval, it can be confidently marketed in countries worldwide.

The Digital Health Transformation in the United Kingdom

Mike McCourt | Acting Counsellor for Life Sciences and Healthcare, UK Department for Business and Trade

Mike McCourt, Commercial Counsellor (Life Sciences and Healthcare), Department for Business and Trade, United KingdomShare: In the course of developing innovative capabilities in digital therapeutics, it has been observed that the escalating burden of infectious diseases and population aging constitutes a shared health challenge for both China and the United Kingdom. To transform our national healthcare systems, we must fully leverage digital technologies to empower all citizens, while strongly supporting clinical professionals in developing more digital solutions. These efforts aim to streamline and redirect patients’ self-management capabilities, thereby enhancing public health oversight.

Recommendations on Digital Therapeutics Policies and Business Environments for Foreign Consulates and Institutions in China

Andrea Myles | Deputy Consul-General, Commercial Section, Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou; Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade

Andrea Myles, Deputy Consul-General (Commercial) at the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou and Senior Commercial Investment Commissioner at AustradeShared insights on the development status, ecosystem, and collaboration opportunities of Australia’s digital health industry. The priority areas established by Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy include secure and reliable clinical information data exchange, the development of new digital health services, and the widespread adoption of telemedicine. This strategy has created diverse investment and development opportunities targeting areas such as aged care at home, mental health and neurological disorders, chronic disease management, telemedicine and virtual care solutions, and the application of data and artificial intelligence.

Small Nations, Powerhouses in Life Sciences and Medical Devices

Eva Verstraelen | Commercial Consul, Flanders Investment & Trade, Consulate General of the Kingdom of Belgium in Guangzhou

Eva Verstraelen, Commercial Consul, Flanders Investment & Trade, Consulate General of the Kingdom of Belgium in GuangzhouShare to Belgium: Flanders is the hub of Europe’s life sciences industry, home to more than 300 biotechnology companies and a broad life-health ecosystem. It offers extensive access to the European market, attracts top talent, and holds leading advantages in clinical trials, the speed of clinical approvals, and the volume of clinical approvals.

Commercialization and Implementation of Digital Therapeutics: A Global Perspective

From left to right: Kaishen Chen | CEO, Zhongxi Medical Technology; Marie Chavanon | Director of Digital Health and Partnerships, Greater China, Sanofi; Lisha Li | Head of PHC Strategy, Roche Pharmaceuticals; Siva Nadarajah | President, JOGO Health (online); Danny Jooyoung Kim | Head of US Market, Welt (online);

Chen Kaishen, CEO of Zhongxi Medical Technology; Marie Chavanon, Director of Digital Health and Partnerships for Greater China at Sanofi; Li Lisha, Head of PHC Strategy at Roche Pharmaceuticals; Siva Nadarajah, President of JOGO Health; and Danny Jooyoung Kim, Head of the U.S. Market at WeltThe discussion centered on the application and commercialization pathways of digital therapeutics (DTx) in the healthcare sector. Drawing from their respective corporate backgrounds, the panelists shared their explorations and experiences in the field of DTx, with a particular focus on its concepts and definitions, collaboration models with pharmaceutical companies, and strategies for commercialization and regulatory compliance. They emphasized that while digital therapeutics represent a significant direction for the development of the healthcare industry, challenges related to regulation and commercialization remain. Truly benefiting patients will require joint exploration by pharmaceutical companies, technology firms, hospitals, and regulatory authorities.

Awaken Your Best Self: A Digital Health Solution for Sleep Wellness

Christopher Gill | Deputy Director of Product Development Strategy, ResMed (Australia)

Christopher Gill, Deputy Director of Product Development Strategy at ResMed (Australia)It was shared that ResMed has developed a suite of digital therapeutic products centered on sleep health, including free mini-programs for sleep screening, assessment, and monitoring; treatment and remote management solutions for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); and digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). These solutions have been widely adopted in multiple countries, significantly enhancing physicians’ diagnostic and treatment efficiency as well as patient adherence, while generating real-world evidence. This year, the respiratory chronic disease management cloud platform developed by ResMed China was selected for the first batch of the “Catalog of Typical Digital Products (Services) for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control,” jointly released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, receiving widespread acclaim. ResMed continues to increase its investment in digital healthcare and digital therapeutics, aiming to introduce more high-quality digital solutions to China to support the development of China’s digital health industry and improve public sleep health.

Digitalization Facilitates Non-Invasive Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Function Healthcare

Rob Phillips | Founder and CEO, Uscom

Professor Rob Phillips, Founder and CEO of UscomDelivered an invited keynote address titled “Digitization Helps Noninvasive Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Function Medical Device Applications,” sharing insights on how Uscom’s suite of products leverages digital tools to facilitate precision diagnosis and treatment, enable telemedicine, and improve efficiency and patient outcomes.

Digital Therapeutics Are Great, But Who Will Pay?

Aidyn | CEO, NX10

NX10 CEO AidynEvery time we pick up our smartphones, we invisibly become payers in the digital health ecosystem. The way we type or swipe can generate data reflecting our physical health status. By analyzing neural signals, it is possible to assess whether an individual is suffering from cognitive decline or other mental disorders, and to provide early warnings and predictions of adverse health events. Such a digital health solution proves highly effective for us.

Digital Considerations in Cross-Border Medical Care

Lynzi Wang | Founder of UK Maide Medical

Lynzi Wang, Founder of UK-based Maide Medical) Shared that in the context of transnational and cross-border medical care, four areas are amenable to digital application: first, the digitization of medical records; second, lossless restoration and adaptation of medical imaging; third, the selection of overseas physicians; and fourth, payment and settlement of medical bills. Finally, it was emphasized that artificial intelligence holds significant application scenarios and potential in cross-border healthcare, particularly in patient triage and routing. It is believed that more companies will likely make efforts in this area in the future.

Opening a New Chapter in Digital Health — Congenica’s Highly Scalable, AI- and Big Data-Driven Automated Platform for Genetic Disease Analysis

Junjun Yang | Director of Business Development, China and Asia-Pacific, Congenica

Yang Junjun, Director of Business Development for China and the Asia-Pacific Region at CongenicaCongenica has established a highly scalable, automated platform for genetic disease analysis based on artificial intelligence and big data. It has developed its own AI algorithms, which serve as one of the core functionalities for variant prioritization in genomic analysis. The platform also features automated mutation classification and automated phenotype-genotype correlation-based ranking, enabling genetic counselors to obtain analytical results more quickly and accurately. In addition, Congenica is developing corresponding solutions in the field of oncology, with the vision that a single unified platform will allow users to perform diverse functions in the future.

Exploration of Digital Healthcare for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Fu Le | Chief Business Officer, Zhiyu Health

Fu Le, Chief Business Officer of Zhiyu HealthThe core work of Zhiyu Health is divided into two parts: on one hand, it provides digital primary healthcare services for specific diseases, including disease-specific patient-physician management, private-domain patient operations, and specialized academic and research services; on the other hand, it offers digital out-of-hospital value-added services, including intelligent blood pressure management, out-of-hospital rehabilitation, and empowerment for out-of-hospital testing.

After a day of sharing perspectives and engaging in interactive exchanges, experts and scholars from various sectors have gained deeper insights into the business environments of multiple countries and the exploratory practices of innovative enterprise development. Industry practitioners attending the event expressed greater confidence and hope for the future of the digital therapeutics industry, believing that the healthcare sector will grow more rapidly and robustly under the empowerment of digitalization, thereby jointly contributing to the global ecosystem of healthcare innovation.