UCB’s Digital Care Transformation (DCTx): striving to address unmet needs in healthcare through digital solutions
How DCTx is transforming chronic disease care with innovation, collaboration and investment
At UCB, our mission is to transform the lives of individuals living with severe chronic diseases. These diseases often bring challenges, not just for the patients, but for the entire healthcare system. From delayed diagnosis to social disparities, there are numerous unmet needs in the treatment pathways of severe diseases. These gaps can lead to significant health complications, reduced quality of life and increased healthcare costs.
Despite advances in medical science, many patients with severe conditions like osteoporosis, axSpA, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, epilepsy and myasthenia gravis continue to have high unmet needs. The existing healthcare infrastructure sometimes falls short in providing timely and personalized care, which is crucial for managing chronic diseases effectively. This is where the power of digital technology in healthcare becomes indispensable.
The DCTx team understands that we cannot solve the most complex challenges in healthcare on our own. That is why we invest in meaningful relationships with those who share our vision.
For more details on our key therapeutic areas, please refer to the DCTx Portfolio.
Leveraging digital transformation in healthcare: UCB’s vision and partnerships
The healthcare space is amid a transformation, centered around creating new technologies and harnessing digital technology to propel therapeutic and diagnostic tools into a new era. UCB's vision is to be a driving force in sustainably supporting the newest patient-centric digital innovation.
By integrating innovative digital solutions in healthcare with our partners, UCB aims to help individuals with severe diseases live better, fuller lives.
Through our Digital Care Transformation (DCTx) team, we identify and collaborate with entrepreneurial businesses in the digital health space. These unique partnerships support healthcare’s most talented enterprises that are developing groundbreaking technologies by providing them with access to industry knowledge, expert feedback and mentoring.
"Innovation is at the heart of UCB’s mission, and through our Digital Care Transformation (DCTx) team’s efforts, we’ve established collaborations that are transforming the healthcare landscape. By partnering with innovative startups and leading businesses, we’re not just advancing scientific discovery; we’re crafting digital solutions that address the unmet needs of patients with chronic diseases, creating sustainable value that propels both patient care and UCB’s vision forward.” Erik Janssen from UCB.
"Our collaboration with Huma is an interesting example demonstrating UCB’s commitment to the rare disease community. We are beginning with Myasthenia gravis and we have the ambition to expand to other rare diseases. We’re delighted to work with Huma as we believe that partnerships are key to creating the best-in-class patient experience for patients across the rare disease community." Colin Lake from UCB.
Addressing areas of high unmet need through digital solutions
The benefits of digital transformation in healthcare are vast. By integrating digital technologies in healthcare, we can provide more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans and continuous monitoring, as well as bridging gaps in treatment. This not only enhances patient care but also reduces the burden on healthcare systems.
Moreover, the use of AI in healthcare technology allows for advanced data analysis, leading to more informed decision-making and improved patient outcomes. One such partner is IB Lab Flamingo: powered by UCB’s BoneBot artificial intelligence (AI) model, this radiology solution assists in identifying vertebral fractures during routine CT scans to help better detect and treat osteoporosis.
See more about our collaborations on the DCTx Portfolio.
DCTx and their partners: Collaborating for a healthier future
Our Digital Care Transformation partnerships and Startup Program is designed to support startups, and other businesses, that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. By working together, we can amplify the power of scientific innovation to create sustainable value for patients, ensuring they can live the lives they choose, now and in the future.
Case studies: Success stories from the DCTx collaborations
- NeuroHelp: Leveraging novel EEG signal analysis techniques and machine learning algorithms, NeuroHelp offers real-time seizure detection and advance warning.
- Wisdo Health: An evidence-based peer support community that empowers health plans, employers, and government agencies to eliminate loneliness and social isolation, allowing support from those going through similar circumstances.
- Nevaro: A Portuguese seed-stage startup designing an innovative solution to prevent mental health issues before they develop or to prevent current conditions from worsening. In the form of a mobile app, this platform monitors for symptoms of illness as well as incorporating psychotherapy treatments through gaming and physiological therapy.
Join our digital business transformation
Our Digital Care Transformation team works to find the most innovative ventures to create breakthroughs in care provision and delivery. We are focused on transforming the lives of every person living with severe and chronic diseases and scaling each solution to make a global impact.
To find out more about UCB’s Digital Care Transformation Initiatives and to apply to become a partner of the Startup program, visit our brand new DCTx website
