RHEINFELDEN, Switzerland, Oct. 17, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tillotts Pharma AG ("Tillotts"), a Swiss pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products, diagnostics, and medical devices in the field of gastroenterology, and MediSafe, a global, award-winning mobile medication management solution, announced today the first virtual tablet box created specifically for patients suffering from Ulcerative Colitis ("UC"). Sponsored and led by Tillotts, and powered by MediSafe, the UCandMETM program strives to go beyond simply taking medication by bringing solutions to health care professionals and patients suffering from UC.
"UC" is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease which is characterized by relapsing symptoms. Non-adherence is common amongst those patients suffering from UC, increasing the risk of relapse. The majority of UC patients who do not take their medication regularly cite forgetfulness as the primary reason, and for those patients who do not take their medication, they will have more than a fivefold greater riski of recurrence than patients managing their condition properly.
UCandMETM is a free mobile app that was created specifically to help UC patients comply with their medication needs. Using an easy-to-use interface, patients set up reminders on their smartphones to take their medication, and even interact with health care professionals by sending personal adherence results. If the patient skips a dose, a reminder will pop up prompting them to take their medication. If the patient skips the reminder for a dose, a notification will be sent to his/her specified caretaker, family or loved ones who will alert the patient to stay compliant - leveraging the power of people's support systems to keep them healthier.
"With the increase of smartphone adoption and advancements in mHealth, mobile medication apps have shown to improve adherence, a vital part in the successful management of UC conditions," said Mattias Norrman, Chief Commercial Officer Tillotts Pharma AG. "MediSafe has proven to increase medication adherence for numerous disease states on a global scale, and together we're offering UC patients a reliable resource with the UCandMETM mobile app to help patients better adhere to their medication leading to better health outcomes."
In addition to helping UC patients improve adherence to their medication, MediSafe is capturing and analyzing broad analytics to further clarify how patients receive and take their medication.
"Patient behavior data is key to uncovering the issues that are driving medication non-adherence. We are privileged to play such a pivotal role and collaborate with Tillotts to make game-changing discoveries that will help rectify this problem that is plaguing those suffering from UC," said MediSafe CEO, Omri 'Bob' Shor. "Our technology is one facet of a holistic support system that chronic illness patients need to improve health outcomes and live fuller, more enjoyable lives – treatment goes beyond the tablet."
UCandMETM is available now as a free download in Google Play and iTunes App Store.
About MediSafe
MediSafe is the first cloud-synced medication management solution helping families prevent emergencies caused by over-or under-dosing medications. In addition to reminding users when it's time to take their medication, MediSafe sends alerts to caretakers if a loved one misses a dose. Download the MediSafe application: Google Play, iTunes App Store. For more information: www.MediSafeProject.com.
About Tillotts Pharma AG
Tillotts is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a leading position in the field of gastroenterology with its headquarters in Rheinfelden, Switzerland. It is a subsidiary of Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (www.zeria.co.jp) a company publicly traded on the Tokyo stock exchange. Tillotts specializes in the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products, diagnostics, and medical devices, all in the field of gastroenterology. For more information, please visit www.tillotts.com.
i Kane et al., Medication Nonadherence and the Outcomes of Patients with Quiescent Ulcerative ColitisAm J Med. 2003;114:39–43.