STAMFORD, CT HARMAN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, announced today that it has entered into a multi-year, global partnership with Roche to create a digital therapeutic platform for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This partnership will combine HARMAN and Samsung’s extensive technology and device experience with Roche’s leadership in neuroscience and developing innovative therapies. HARMAN and Roche will also seek to expand the platform for development of other digital health products across multiple therapeutic areas.
ASD refers to a broad range of social, communication and verbal challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control, ASD affects both adolescents and adults and an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today have ASD. Currently, there are no FDA approved pharmacological therapeutics available to treat ASD.
“There is a significant opportunity to apply innovative technologies and enable advanced care for ASD that can positively impact the day-to-day life of individuals and their families who are affected”, said David Slump, President, Connected Services, HARMAN. “We are honored and excited to collaborate with an esteemed partner like Roche, who drove and originated this partnership. Roche will lead the clinical development, regulatory and commercial strategy, while HARMAN will provide the enabling technology. Together, we are aiming to provide user-centric connected solutions that focus on behavioral therapy to improve social communication for individuals with ASD, increase efficiency, and ultimately boost personalized healthcare access.”
“We are excited to work with HARMAN to leverage both company’s capabilities, in order to develop novel solutions that will support individuals living with ASD, their caregivers and healthcare professionals”, said James Sabry, Global Head of Roche Pharma Partnering. “We believe that digital behavioral therapy may address some of the challenges of daily life for people living with ASD and potentially expand the treatment modalities.”
Roche’s digital therapeutic platform leverages HARMAN’s expertise in Consumer, Healthcare, Audio and Visual products and immersive and individualized user experiences by bringing to market consumer technologies tailored to the Personalized Healthcare industry creating a seamless patient journey. In addition, HARMAN will develop the technology by adhering to the Quality Management System defined in accordance to ISO-13485, as well as HIPAA-compliance framework across development, ensuring integrity to protect patient’s sensitive data and ensuring integrity across clinical workflow of patient care.
