Biogen's Digital Health Solutions division is spearheading a transformative approach to neurological care through an integrated digital strategy that spans research, clinical practice, and patient care. Under the leadership of Dr. Yacine Hadjiat, the global head of Biogen Digital Health Solutions, the company has structured its digital innovation efforts around four key pillars.
Advanced Evidence Generation Through AI and Digital Biomarkers
In collaboration with French startup Therapanacea, Biogen has developed an AI-powered MS Lesion Analyzer that represents a significant advancement in Multiple Sclerosis monitoring. The system can detect and analyze MS progression through MRI imaging before clinical symptoms become apparent, marking a crucial step toward personalized medicine.
The company has also introduced Konectom, an innovative smartphone-based platform that captures neurological function data through active and passive monitoring. This technology addresses the challenge of measuring subjective symptoms in neurological conditions by providing more frequent and precise data collection.
Digital Tools Empowering Healthcare Professionals
Recognizing the challenges healthcare providers face in keeping pace with rapid scientific developments, Biogen launched Neurodiem, a comprehensive digital platform available in 17 countries and nine languages. This platform provides CNS specialists with curated access to the latest scientific publications, debates, and educational resources in neurology.
The success of these initiatives stems from Biogen's strategic approach to talent integration, combining life sciences expertise with technical innovation. "About half of our talents come from the life sciences industry and clinical research, and the other half come from the tech world," explains Dr. Hadjiat.
Patient-Centered Digital Solutions
Biogen's patient-facing initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to user-centered design. The Cleo app, launched in 2018 for MS patients, has achieved remarkable success with over 600,000 registered users worldwide. The app bridges the gap in care between neurologist visits, which typically occur only twice yearly for about 20 minutes each.
For patients with neuromuscular diseases, Biogen developed Physio.me, a remote exercise platform that enables patients with conditions like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to perform prescribed exercises at home, complementing in-person physical therapy sessions.
Digital Therapeutics and Future Innovation
Biogen is actively exploring the frontier of digital therapeutics (DTx), focusing on developing regulated digital interventions supported by clinical evidence and regulatory frameworks. This emerging field represents both an opportunity and a challenge, particularly in establishing global reimbursement models.
The company's vision extends beyond individual digital solutions to a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Hadjiat emphasizes that achieving this vision requires collaboration across the healthcare spectrum: "Engineers, investors, doctors, researchers, business folks... That's the ecosystem we need to make it work. One expertise, one player will not solve it all."
Looking ahead, Biogen anticipates a future where digital health solutions become seamlessly integrated into standard healthcare delivery, creating a continuous cycle of care that connects clinical settings with patients' daily lives. This transformation aims to make healthcare more efficient, accessible, and responsive to patient needs.
