In the same vein as applications like Waze revolutionizing driving and Fitbit transforming fitness tracking, an Israeli biotech startup envisions the future where traditional medication is prescribed alongside custom digital applications to heighten treatment efficacy and enhance health outcomes.
Launched in 2022 by Dr. Michal Tsur and Or Shoval, the company, Remepy, is at the forefront of crafting personalized therapeutic software for mobile platforms. The software is designed to activate and enhance brain functions that can influence the immune system and work in conjunction with conventional medications.
The enterprise’s pioneering platform aims to synergize the mind and body by incorporating cognitive-behavioral tasks, mindfulness exercises, and other techniques rooted in neuroscience, such as multisensory stimulation.
Remepy recently declared a successful $10 million seed funding round, elevating its total capital to $15 million. These funds are intended to help launch what they refer to as the ‘first hybrid drug’—a marriage of digital therapeutic software with standard drugs—into the commercial sphere.
Remepy’s research suggests that the combined approach of pharmaceuticals with digital, non-pharmacological interventions may lead to more effective treatments for neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders, including cancer and Parkinson’s Disease.
The investment round drew backing predominantly from NFX, with contributions from Vine Ventures, Psymed Ventures, Supernode Ventures, and Firstime Ventures. Additional financial support came from groups such as Tech Aviv, fresh.fund, and 97212 Ventures.
“We harness the digital world’s capacity to interact with our brain, inducing physiological shifts that complement medication,” shared Tsur, Remepy’s co-CEO. “By stimulating various brain processes related to connectivity, immune regulation, and the activation of the reward system, we aim to augment the impact of drugs and consequently improve patient outcomes,” she explained.
Merck’s global head of R&D, Dr. Danny Bar Zohar, has recently been appointed to Remepy’s board of directors, following the earlier addition of former prime minister Naftali Bennett.
Tsur highlighted that the digital application has already demonstrated promising results in initial studies and clinical trials with roughly 200 participants, showcasing benefits such as reduced depression and anxiety levels, decreased insomnia, and enhanced resilience, alongside positive shifts in biomarkers associated with chronic stress and inflammation.
In these trials, the company utilized comprehensive brain imaging, as well as blood and saliva analyses, and standardized questionnaires to validate the efficacy of its proprietary digital therapies in modulating blood biomarkers.
“As a physician and drug developer, witnessing Remepy’s clinical data is quite compelling,” remarked Bar Zohar. He expressed enthusiasm regarding how the startup’s digital interventions can potentially amplify immunotherapy for cancer or boost existing treatments for neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Bar Zohar believes that these unique digital-drug combinations could significantly elevate patient care and deliver measurable benefits for individuals and healthcare systems alike.
With a vision to collaborate with pharmaceutical entities, Tsur disclosed that Remepy aims to integrate its digital therapeutic solutions with both patented and generic medications.
Tsur reflected on the importance of innovation and healing, particularly in challenging times, stating, “In this era, the act of healing is intertwined with building, innovating, and forward-thinking. We consider ourselves fortunate to be developing something with the potential to treat serious illnesses.”
