By Graeme Ossey

Health 2.0 is excited to announce the launch of the Novartis Thalassemia App Challenge sponsored by Novartis Oncology. There is a critical need to develop an innovative app solution that assists Thalassemia patients and their families in managing the disease, including monitoring/tracking of key parameters, treatment/medication adherence and recording of daily personal facts.

Thalassemia is a diverse family of genetic disorders affecting red blood cell production, causing anemia and consequently, patients suffer significant complications.¹ Thalassemia can range from milder types to severe cases that start in infancy and require regular blood transfusions for patient survival.² Clinical complications can vary by type of thalassemia, and patients also  may develop iron overload as a consequence of the disease or because of extra iron absorbed from blood transfusions.³ Most patients with thalassemia are of South and Southeast Asian, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern origin, with immigration broadening the global prevalence.⁴

Phase I of the challenge focuses on ideation and closes on June 30, 2013. Five submissions will be awarded $5,000 based on the quality and viability of their idea. Phase I requirements include:

1. Mock-up or drawing of concept
2. 5-page written document explaining the proposed application

Phase II of the challenge will challenge the finalists to develop working prototypes of the applications proposed in Phase I of the competition. Submissions for Phase II are due September 8^th and the top three submissions will receive $100,000, $20,000, and $5,000, respectively.

If you’re interested in participating in the challenge, please visit the challenge website and register for the informational webinar.

References:

1.         Weatherall DJ. The definition and epidemiology of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Blood Reviews. 2012:26S:S3-S6

2.        Taher AT, Musallam KM, Karimi M, El-Beshlawy A, Belhoul K, et al. Overview on practices in thalassemia intermedia management aiming for lowering complication rates across a region of endemicity: the OPTIMAL CARE study. Blood. 2010;115:1886-1892.

3.        Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Wood JC, Taher AT. Iron overload in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia: a clinical perspective. Blood Reviews. 2012;26S:S16-19.

4.        Thalassaemia International Federation. The Thalassaemia International Federation’s (TIF) New Focus: Addressing the Management of Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassaemias (NTDT). Position Paper 5.2. March 20, 2012. Accessed at:http://www.thalassaemia.org.cy/pdf/NTDT_Position_Paper_Final.pdf.