Teva Snaps Up Compliance Tracking Startup Gecko

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Teva; Petah Tikva, Israel) has acquired respiratory disease compliance startup Gecko Health Innovations (Gecko; Cambridge, MA, USA) for an undisclosed sum.

The purchase positions Teva with in-house medication compliance tracking capabilities for consumer use, leveraging a technology largely reserved for clinical trials into one available for everyday use by its customers. Gecko, founded in 2012, has focused so far on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma compliance via its flagship product, CareTRx, which is comprised of a hardware device which attaches to most metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), as well as a software program which synchronizes and stores data through an app-based user interface to the cloud.

Together with Gecko Health Innovations, Teva will further explore new ways to apply the CareTRx technology to its robust pipeline and portfolio of respiratory products, with the goal of enhancing clinical outcomes for patients. The purchase also takes out of play one of a handful of high-profile startups in the medical compliance market, which include Propeller Health (Madison, WI, USA), whose sensor and digital health platform were approved for use with the in GlaxoSmithKline (GSK; London, United Kingdom) Diskus dry powder inhaler for asthma and COPD.

“The acquisition of Gecko Health Innovations further enhances Teva's ability to develop and deliver truly patient-centered solutions by utilizing eConnected, data-driven technology to improve the management of respiratory diseases,” said Rob Koremans, MD, President and CEO of Teva Global Specialty Medicines.

“During the last three years, we have designed and built a system to support respiratory disease management by intuitively connecting caregivers, patients, and families,” said Yechiel Engelhard, MD, CEO and Founder of Gecko Health Innovations. “Our vision was to connect chronic medication management into one platform, leveraging this information to support and empower patients by partnering with leading players in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. We are very excited to realize this vision as it aligns to Teva's focus on innovative patient solutions.”

Related Links:
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
Gecko Health Innovations
Propeller Health