Barcelona, 21 June. - With the celebration of the 5th edition of the Ferrer4Future program, we are pleased to announce the launch of an open innovation challenge aimed at identifying and supporting start-ups with innovative digital and technological solutions for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This initiative aims to address unmet clinical needs along the entire ALS patient care chain, encompassing patients, physicians, caregivers, hospitals, and more.
From 21 June to 21 August, interested companies can apply for the programme on the website Ferrer4Future.com with their digital solutions that respond to the challenge posed: Easing the burden of ALS .
According to Gemma Estrada, Head of Digital Health at Ferrer, "Ferrer is committed to a collaborative approach to promote projects with value for patients and all agents in the healthcare system. This vision is aligned with our dual purpose of building a healthier society through digital technologies and contributing to the sustainability of healthcare systems."
About the "Reduce the Burden of ALS" Challenge
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and eventually mortality. The lack of effective treatments for ALS intensifies the challenges faced by patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals in treating the disease.
In view of this, at Ferrer we are accepting projects that offer innovative solutions in various areas related to ALS care. Among these areas, we consider remote monitoring: Technologies that potentially allow remote monitoring of symptoms and disease progression in people with ALS, facilitating personalized care. This could include wearable devices that allow patients to track relevant activities and appropriately share data with their healthcare providers.
Likewise, solutions are sought in the area commonly known as "Beyond the Pill": digital and technological solutions that improve the adherence and efficacy of ALS treatments, such as Digital Therapeutics (DTx) or patient support tools. These tools could also provide support and guidance to caregivers and family members who may have to deal with the emotional and physical challenges of caring for a patient with ALS.
Finally, the third area corresponds to the healthcare pathway: digital and technological solutions that improve the patient experience throughout the entire care process, from diagnosis to the end of life. This could include patient education tools that improve understanding of the disease, its treatment, and prognosis. In addition, care coordination platforms that facilitate collaboration between health professionals to offer the best possible care.
Participating candidates must have a solution that has been validated in the market. Participation is open to innovative solutions from all parts of the world, encouraging companies to submit their proposals to the challenge.
For more information about the challenge and how to submit a proposal, visit www.ferrer4future.com.
About Ferrer4Future
The objective of the F4F program is the joint development of technology-based healthcare solutions between start-ups and Ferrer. Collaboration agreements are customized according to the nature and maturity of each project. The duration of co-development can vary between 3 and 18 months, during which access to Ferrer mentors and experts, as well as internal resources, is guaranteed to accelerate the creation of the solution. The collaboration begins with a careful selection of the proposed solutions to the challenge posed. The start-ups defend their solutions before a committee of experts from Ferrer, which selects the winners. They will participate in the Ferrer4Future program, which includes the possibility of piloting the solution in a real use case and exploring commercial alliances and collaborations with Ferrer.
