BigThink Introduces Digital Therapeutic 'Spark' for Adolescent Depression in Korea

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] KPS's bio-subsidiary BigThink Therapeutics is accelerating the establishment of its DTx portfolio by consecutively developing and introducing digital therapeutics (DTx).

BigThink announced on the 24th that it has signed an exclusive domestic development and commercialization agreement for the adolescent depression DTx "SparkRx" developed by Limbix Health in the United States.

SparkRx is a DTx based on cognitive behavioral therapy. It completed exploratory clinical trials targeting children and adolescents aged 13 to 21 in the U.S. and received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 based on safety and efficacy data. This was based on the FDA policy to assist in treating mental disorders during COVID-19, and there are plans to start confirmatory clinical trials aiming to apply for FDA approval by the end of this year.

BigThink has continued strategic investments in Limbix by participating consecutively in Series A funding in 2020 and Series A2 funding in 2021. Dr. Kim Sung-chul, BigThink's Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), also serves as a board member of Limbix, acting as a bridge for mutual growth.

Han Mi-kyung, CEO of BigThink, said, "We are pleased to be able to provide DTx for the increasing number of adolescent depression patients in Korea every year," adding, "Given the characteristics of the patient group, we expect it to help overcome the limitations of face-to-face treatment or pharmacotherapy." She also stated, "Through close partnership with Limbix, we will continue to strive to provide new and diverse treatment options for adolescents."

Benjamin Lewis, CEO of Limbix, said, "We are focused on providing mental health treatment to young people through innovative and accessible technology," and added, "We are honored that this agreement will help improve the mental health of pediatric and adolescent patients in Korea."

Meanwhile, BigThink is conducting the first domestic U.S. clinical trial for its self-developed obsessive-compulsive disorder DTx "OC Free." It has also recently completed the introduction of cancer patient mental disorder DTx 'attune' and 'DreAMLand.'