Breakthrough Digital Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

Original Article: https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20240402/fda-clears-prescription-digital-therapeutic-for-adults-with-major-depressive-disorder

Innovative Treatment for Depression Symptoms

The FDA has approved a new digital therapy called Rejoyn to aid adults battling major depressive disorder (MDD). Developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Click Therapeutics Inc., Rejoyn offers a 6-week program designed to assist individuals aged 22 and older in managing their emotions. Through a combination of cognitive training exercises and therapeutic lessons, Rejoyn aims to provide supplementary support alongside standard outpatient care.

Evidence from Clinical Trials

The approval of Rejoyn was based on the results of the Mirai study, involving 386 adults diagnosed with MDD. Participants, experiencing inadequate responses to antidepressants, were assigned randomly to either Rejoyn or a sham control app for 6 weeks. The study found that individuals using Rejoyn exhibited improvements in depression symptom severity compared to those using the control app. Moreover, one month after completing the program, individuals treated with Rejoyn continued to show progress, suggesting that the digital therapy may be  effective in providing lasting benefits.

Promising Neuromodulatory Mechanism

Rejoyn operates on a neuromodulatory mechanism, akin to physical therapy for the brain. By offering personalized brain-training exercises, Rejoyn aims to enhance connections in brain regions affected by depression. This innovative approach holds promise for individuals seeking comprehensive treatment options for managing their depressive symptoms.