Huma and Merck KGaA Launch Innovative App to Support Bladder Cancer Patients

• Huma and Merck collaboration advances patient-directed care in oncology
• UK launch of bladder cancer patient app to be followed by other countries and other indications.
• Developed with input from leading patient organisations and clinicians.

Huma Therapeutics ("Huma"), a leader in global digital health innovation, together with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (“Merck”), a pioneer in science and technology, today announced the launch of their innovative bladder cancer treatment companion app in the United Kingdom. This collaboration underscores Merck and Huma's joint commitment to advancing patient-directed care and empowering patients and caregivers throughout their cancer care pathway.

Bladder cancer is a significant health concern in the UK, with over 10,000 patients newly diagnosed each year, making it the 9th most common cancer in the country. According to projections from The Health Foundation, this figure is likely to grow with bladder cancer rates expected to increase by around 50% in the UK over the next two decades, due to factors such as an aging population and lifestyle changes.

Despite advancements in treatment options, the survival rates for bladder cancer remain variable; approximately 50-60% of patients survive beyond five years after diagnosis, with some of the highest cancer recurrence rates of up to 80%. Early diagnosis, ongoing monitoring and follow-up care are therefore crucial for patients’ outcomes.

The UK launch marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Huma and Merck, announced in November 2023. As part of their collaboration, Huma and Merck will develop other cancer treatment journey companion apps using Huma’s regulated, configurable Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) technology platform.

For patients and providers, by patients and providers

Developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and leading patient organisations, the app is designed to support patients and caregivers in navigating the complexities of bladder cancer treatment and maintenance therapy by providing a reliable source of information and support throughout the treatment journey.

Features include:

• Personalised treatment and symptom management tools
• Educational resources and information on bladder cancer
• Medication reminders and adherence tracking
• Signposting to support networks and community forums

Several UK-based patient organisations and specialist cancer care centres were involved in developing and piloting the bladder cancer treatment journey app.

Alex Filicevas, Executive Director at the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, emphasised the importance of the app in supporting patients and caregivers through a complex treatment journey: “‘It was a privilege to work alongside bladder cancer patients and caregivers, helping to shape a new digital resource for bladder cancer patients to aid the complex path of treatment. This initiative underscores our joint dedication to fostering patient empowerment, shared decision-making and community within healthcare delivery.”

Joachim Chan, a consultant clinical oncologist at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, noted that digital solutions are critical in supporting patients in navigating changing treatment landscapes: “With the recent groundbreaking trials for bladder cancer, the treatment paradigm is changing rapidly and significantly. Therefore, it is even more important that patients are well informed about their choices… This app will give clear informative summaries of the treatment options available for patients and relatives to absorb, so that they can approach treatment with a more positive mindset.”

A Commitment to Advancing Patient Care

Dr Doina Ionescu, Managing Director, Merck Healthcare, UK & ROI, said:

"Patients facing bladder cancer in the UK are up against a set of very difficult challenges, as the area remains one with less awareness, less research and high recurrence and mortality rates. At Merck, we have expertise in understanding the hurdles faced by patients and the pressures facing their healthcare professionals.

“Through our partnership with Huma, we hope to help standardise reliable patient information to support ongoing monitoring and follow-up care. Crucially, with many patients being older generations, the app also offers caregiver access. At a time of resource constraint in the NHS, we believe digital solutions like these hold the key to delivering better, personalised care for all. We are committed to patient-centric care will continue to innovate resources which empower individuals and their caregivers along every step of their treatment journey."

Dan Vahdat, Founder and CEO of Huma, said: "We are excited to launch this innovative app in partnership with Merck, furthering our mission to transform healthcare with a digital-first approach. By empowering patients with access to personalised resources and support, we believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by bladder cancer."

Dr. Mert Aral, Chief Medical Officer at Huma, said: “This initiative is designed to demystify the often-overwhelming journey faced by cancer patients. Our objective is clear – to improve patients' understanding of their condition, enable smooth navigation through complex care pathways, and promote consistent adherence to their treatments. The UK debut marks the inception of our partnership's endeavour to offer comprehensive guidance and unwavering support to all individuals battling cancer."

About Huma

Huma Therapeutics is a global digital health technology company that advances digital-first care delivery and research to help people live longer, fuller lives. Its award-winning modular platforms are used by more than 3,000 hospitals and clinics, with over 1.8 million active users in healthcare and over 700,000 participants across research.

Huma's technology powers:

• virtual care tools ranging from digital-first screening and population health initiatives to at-scale remote patient monitoring (RPM)
• companion apps to support patients through treatment and drug therapies.
• digital clinical trials, including decentralised trials, to accelerate medical research.

Huma's regulated Software as a Medical Device, used in its RPM and companion app platforms, is the only disease- and device- agnostic platform to hold EU MDR Class IIb, US FDA 510(k) Class II clearance and Class IIb registration with the UK MHRA. The SaMD platform is regulated to accept artificial intelligence algorithms and monitor patients of all ages.

Please visit www.huma.com and follow us on LinkedIn at Huma.

About Merck

Merck is a leading science and technology company that uniquely combines three specialized, innovation-driven businesses: Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics.

Using our multi-industry expertise, we help to address a broad range of global challenges. From providing products for scientific research and biotech production to therapies against serious diseases to high-tech materials for computer chips and displays – we work to make a positive impact on millions of peoples' lives every day.

In 2023, 63,000 colleagues in 65 countries generated sales of 21 billion euros. Headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, we are publicly listed and have been majority-owned by the founding family since 1668.

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April 2024