Smartphone app for smoking cessation The prospect of domestic first approval as a medical device June 19 21:04
A smartphone app developed for smoking cessation treatment is expected to be approved as a medical device. If it is approved, it means that it is the first time in Japan.
This is an application for smoking cessation treatment developed by a venture company in Tokyo in collaboration with Keio University, and was approved for approval as a medical device by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare subcommittee held on the 19th.
The app is intended to prevent patients undergoing smoking cessation outpatients from relieving their tensions and giving up smoking during the gaps between treatments.
Patients can control the concentration of carbon monoxide contained in exhaled breath, which is effective for grasping smoking status, by using a dedicated device, and receive treatment guidance tailored to each patient.
As a result of clinical trials carried out by the company, it was evaluated that the continued rate of smoking cessation increased when using the app compared to when not using the app.
According to the company, after the final approval procedure is completed, it will be the first medical treatment app in Japan.
Kota Satake, president of CureApp, who developed the app, said in a press conference on the 19th, "I am deeply moved by the fact that the value of treating illness with invisible software is recognized. I would like to connect to them."
After the approval, the company plans to apply for medical insurance and aims to put it into practical use by the end of the year.