Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced today that it received Health Canada licensing for its NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic, enabling it to launch the app.
The Abbott Park, Illinois–based company designed the remote programming technology — the first of its kind in Canada — with compatibility with Abbott’s suite of neuromodulation technologies, offering the potential to increase access to optimal treatment for patients living with chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, or essential tremors who might otherwise have difficulty receiving care from their healthcare provider due to location or being unable to travel to seek care.
Users can receive care anywhere by connecting with their doctor through a secure in-app video chat and an integrated remote programming feature. Clinicians can prescribe new treatment settings remotely to the patient’s neurostimulation device using the clinician programmer app and a new, simple, and secure remote care connection.
In April, the company launched an upgraded version of the application with enhanced functionality to help doctors more closely track their patients as they trial Abbott neurostimulation devices to address their chronic pain. It was first launched in the U.S. in March 2021.
“Without alternatives to in-person programming, many of these patients may delay or forego care, particularly those who face a travel burden,” Dr. Alfonso Fasano of the Krembil Brain Institute at Toronto Western Hospital, part of the University Health Network, said in a news release. “Fortunately, innovative virtual healthcare options are changing the treatment landscape, ultimately extending care beyond clinic walls. Remote programming is an important new option that allows patients to communicate with their physicians virtually to ensure proper device settings and functionality. This brings the convenience of connected care to neurostimulation therapy, giving patients the ability to manage their therapy in a way that fits their personal needs.”
NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic is compatible with Canadian-licensed Abbott neuromodulation devices. That list includes the Proclaim spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the management of chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, the Proclaim dorsal root ganglion (DRG) therapy for the management of moderate to severe chronic intractable pain of the lower limbs and the Infinity deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, for the management of Parkinson’s disease and tremor.
“For more than a decade, Abbott has been evaluating the treatment hurdles neuromodulation patients faced,” said Pedro Malha, VP, neuromodulation, Abbott. “During this time, we have diligently worked to find better ways of connecting patients to their doctors. The launch of NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic in Canada exemplifies Abbott’s ability to put science and innovation to work, delivering solutions to help people live their best lives.”
