What To Know About Patents For Software As A Medical Device

By Richard Kelly

Using software and drugs together to treat a patient may create “a combination product.” For example, in early 2019 Pear Therapeutics launched reSET-O, an app for treating addictions. Pear claims the app can provide interactive therapy sessions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, fluency training, exercises, and contingency management for those taking buprenorphine to help recover from opiate addiction. The app, available by prescription only, was shown when combined with buprenorphine in clinical trials to be better than buprenorphine alone in helping people overcome addiction.