Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Jan 9, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 13, 2025
Digital Therapeutics in China: A Comprehensive Review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Digital therapeutics (DTx), software-driven interventions offering personalized, evidence-based treatments, are transforming global healthcare. China’s unique combination of widespread technological adoption, a large population base, and supportive government policies has positioned it as a potential global leader in DTx. Despite significant progress, gaps remain in areas such as clinical trials, product development, regulatory framework standardization, and reimbursement support within the Chinese healthcare system.
Objective:
This study aims to comprehensively investigate the DTx landscape in China, identifying key factors contributing to its progress and offering lessons for other countries to accelerate DTx adoption and development.
Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the state of DTx in China. The analysis synthesized data from peer-reviewed articles, government policy documents, and industry reports to assess progress in clinical trials, regulatory practices, product development, and reimbursement strategies.
Results:
Four key factors emerged as critical contributors to the rapid progress of DTx in China: (1) targeted indications and innovative technology components tailored to local needs; (2) standardized clinical trials ensuring evidence-based validation; (3) streamlined regulatory and approval processes fostering rapid innovation; and (4) diversified pricing and reimbursement models supporting adoption and scalability. These insights highlight China's strategic approach to DTx integration and its broader implications for healthcare transformation.
Conclusions:
China’s experience in developing and adopting DTx provides valuable lessons for other nations aiming to leverage digital health innovations. By addressing existing challenges and drawing from China’s experience, global healthcare systems can accelerate DTx development, adoption, and integration to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Citation
Request queued. Please wait while the file is being generated. It may take some time.
Copyright
© The authors. All rights reserved. This is a privileged document currently under peer-review/community review (or an accepted/rejected manuscript). Authors have provided JMIR Publications with an exclusive license to publish this preprint on it's website for review and ahead-of-print citation purposes only. While the final peer-reviewed paper may be licensed under a cc-by license on publication, at this stage authors and publisher expressively prohibit redistribution of this draft paper other than for review purposes.