SonarMD has revealed positive results from two studies, demonstrating that its SonarMD digital platform reduces emergency department visits and inpatient admissions for irritable bowel disease (IBD) patients.
The data was presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW), which took place in Washington, DC, from 18 to 21 May 2024.
The first study demonstrated significant reductions in hospital visits over 24 months. In year one, the SonarMD cohort had an 18% lower rate of IBD-related emergency department visits compared to the control group. In the second year, the rate was 46% lower. For IBD-related inpatient admissions, the SonarMD cohort has a 20% lower rate in year one and a 78% lower rate in year two.
The second study – conducted over 12 months – also found reduced healthcare utilisation among IBD patients using SonarMD. The rate of disease-related emergency department visits was 15% lower, and inpatient admissions were down 14% compared to the control group.
SonarMD’s digital platform uses predictive analytics and human support to identify clinical deterioration, helping patients and specialists address issues before they become emergencies. Through partnering with major health plans and gastroenterology practices, the company offers the platform for free to patients. It utilises continuous symptom monitoring, risk stratification, and communication with physicians for faster interventions and reduced care costs.
Based in Chicago, SonarMD has raised a total funding of $14.3m over two rounds. The company secured $10m in Series A financing in 2018, led by healthcare investors Blue Cross Blue Shield Venture Partners and Arboretum Ventures. An additional $4.3m was raised in its latest Series A funding round in May 2023.
IBD is an inflammatory condition of the bowel that includes patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These conditions cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and rectal bleeding, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
According to a report on GlobalData’s Pharma Intelligence Center, the global Crohn’s disease market will be worth $25.5bn in 2032.
SonarMD’s CEO Beth Houck said: “These studies confirm that our technology-forward, digital, end-to-end, holistic healthcare coordination program helps people living with IBD stay better connected to their healthcare team, which is vital to catch changes early and reduce the risk for serious complications. Our mission is to help patients stay healthier and out of the hospital.”
There is innovation in the medtech space to alleviate symptoms of IBD. In December 2023, Boomerang Medical announced that it had completed stage two of enrolment for its IBD neurostimulator implant. The technology uses sacral nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. The neurostimulator, which was granted breakthrough device designation by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 2023, is implanted in a minimally invasive procedure.
