Professor Han Deokhyun: "A Control Tower Should Be Established to Handle Everything from DTx Policy Formulation to Support"

[DTx Era⑨] Interview with Han Deok-hyun, Professor of Psychiatry at Chung-Ang University Hospital

"Domestic Technology at a Global Level"
Avoid Inter-Ministerial Power Struggles
Systematic Development Needed Through Multi-Ministry Projects

Even Non-Covered Services Approval by HIRA Needed
"A Three-Year Pilot Operation System Would Be Beneficial"

Professor Han Deok-hyun, Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University Hospital.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] "Compared to global standards, I believe there is almost no gap in the technology and quality of domestic DTx. The differences lie in awareness, support, and systems, so a government-level digital therapeutics (DTx) control tower that comprehensively handles everything from policy formulation to support must be established."

Professor Han Deok-hyun of the Department of Psychiatry at Chung-Ang University Hospital is a leading domestic DTx expert who has researched functional games even before the concept of DTx emerged. Professor Han, who leads major DTx research and holds related patents, asserted that the level of domestic DTx "is not different from the global level." Technologically, it has already reached an equal footing.

However, regarding the reasons for the gap in DTx development compared to countries like the United States, he cited institutional differences as the main cause. Professor Han explained, "In Korea, health insurance is 100% led by the government, so private insurance systems do not influence the medical system. On the other hand, in foreign countries, private insurance and DTx are linked to build pipelines." He noted that each system has its pros and cons. Professor Han said, "In foreign countries, only specific DTx prescriptions are made depending on private insurance, but domestically, if the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service permits, all hospitals can use it. Although approval and prescription may start late, once approved, usage will increase rapidly."

Since the insurance structure causes delays in DTx prescriptions, Professor Han called for active institutional improvements. He suggested, "Companies started developing DTx late and face investment issues, and even if they get approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, hospitals cannot use it. The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service should allow even non-reimbursed approvals, and a system enabling about three years of pilot operation would be beneficial."

He especially urged the establishment of a government-level control tower to oversee DTx-related policies, as functions are currently scattered across departments, making systematic development difficult. Professor Han said, "DTx projects come separately from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, each with weaknesses. The Ministry of Science and ICT is weak on diseases, the Ministry of Health and Welfare is weak on technology, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety does not understand medical systems. Instead of competing for leadership among ministries, it should be a multi-ministry project. This is why a control tower must be established."

He also offered advice to foster the DTx industry and companies developing these products. First, forming a concrete pipeline is important. Since DTx is being created from a previously nonexistent concept, visible progress is necessary to activate investment. Professor Han said, "Currently, DTx investment is mostly operated through government research funds, but more private companies should be encouraged to participate. If the technology has been completed behind the scenes, now an officially visible pipeline must be formed."

Measures to guarantee developers’ patents or ‘licenses’ are also needed. Since DTx is fundamentally software, it is easy to replicate, and the approval process can take so long that by the time of release, the product is outdated. He said, "If a developer completes clinical trials and graphics but it takes two years to get approval, the product is already outdated. A pre-approval system like in the U.S. should be activated." This means approving the developer rather than each DTx product, allowing the company’s DTx to be approved.

Furthermore, he pointed out that companies should establish a solid medical foundation before hastily entering DTx development. Professor Han said, "DTx companies must meet doctors who thoroughly understand the disease and engage in numerous discussions to build a solid algorithm. DTx cannot be made by copying cognitive behavioral therapy or educational methods. They must devote their utmost effort to research on the disease and algorithm development."

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