SK Biopharm invests in US digital therapeutics company 'Karla Health'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] SK Biopharm announced on the 19th that it will make a joint investment in the U.S. digital therapeutics company 'Cala Health' together with SK Inc.

Cala Health, located in Silicon Valley, is a leading company in the field of bioelectronic medicine within digital therapeutics. It possesses wearable platform technology applicable to the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as a nationwide sales network in the United States. The company has attracted investments from Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Novartis, Alphabet (Google) venture capital GV, and in 2019 launched the world's only non-invasive electrical stimulation device for essential tremor treatment.

Starting with this investment, SK Biopharm plans to continue strategic investments in advanced pharmaceutical, bio, and healthcare companies. In particular, this investment is expected to create significant synergy with SK Biopharm's ongoing digital healthcare business. Since 2018, SK Biopharm has been conducting research and development on epilepsy seizure detection and prediction algorithms and devices, while also engaging in external collaborations and investments. The epilepsy seizure detection device is scheduled to begin domestic clinical trials this year. As a strategic investor, SK Biopharm is also exploring the possibility of technological cooperation with Cala Health in the field of neuroscience.

Jung Jung-woo, CEO of SK Biopharm, stated, "We will continue to secure innovative technologies by implementing various open innovations such as strategic investments." He added, "Through the digital therapeutics development business, we aim to become a healthcare solution company that accompanies patients throughout the entire cycle from prevention and diagnosis to treatment of brain diseases."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.