
While most treatment of pulmonary fibrosis focuses on the physical symptoms of the illness, a recent study suggests a treatment for the mental symptoms could be on the way.
Vicore Pharma Holding AB announced positive results of its study investigating the efficacy of AlmeeTM, a 9-week digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) accessed through a smartphone or tablet.
The company said the study met its primary endpoint — a change in baseline anxiety scores among patients with pulmonary fibrosis — with a statistically significant 2.7-point improvement of anxiety symptoms in the group treated with Almee compared to the control group. Quality of life was a key secondary endpoint of the study and improved by 4.4 points compared to the control group. Maureen Horton, MD
The study enrolled 108 participants from across the U.S. in a randomized, controlled parallel-group clinical investigation. Maureen Horton, MD, professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and one of the study’s principal investigators, said the aim of Almee is to provide personalized and accessible psychological support for patients living with a deadly disease for which there is currently no curative treatment available.
“It’s very encouraging to see a digital CBT demonstrating a clear clinical benefit for individuals suffering from the mental health burden that accompanies pulmonary fibrosis,” she said. “Providing behavior-modifying tools that enhance quality of life represents a new addition to a comprehensive treatment approach for patients living with this devastating disease.”