What is EndeavorOTC?
EndeavorOTC is a new app developed by Akili Interactive, a leading digital medicine company, that aims to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with technology. The app is based on EndeavorRx, a prescription video game that was approved by the FDA in 2020 as the first digital therapeutic for ADHD. EndeavorOTC is an over-the-counter version of the app that does not require a prescription and can be used by anyone who wants to improve their attention and focus.
How does EndeavorOTC work?
EndeavorOTC is designed to target and activate the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for executive functions such as attention, working memory, and self-control. The app uses a proprietary algorithm that adapts the level of challenge and feedback to the user’s performance and preferences. The app also provides motivational and educational features to enhance the user’s engagement and adherence.
The app consists of a series of sessions that last about 25 minutes each. The user plays a game that involves navigating a spaceship through various obstacles and collecting targets. The game requires the user to switch between different sensory modalities and cognitive tasks, such as visual, auditory, spatial, and motor. The game also rewards the user for accuracy, speed, and consistency.
What are the benefits of EndeavorOTC?
According to the company, EndeavorOTC has been clinically validated in multiple studies involving more than 600 participants across the age spectrum. The studies have shown that EndeavorOTC can improve attention, working memory, response inhibition, and quality of life in people with ADHD and other attention-related challenges. The app has also been shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and enjoyable by most users.
One of the studies, published in the journal Nature Digital Medicine, involved 180 adolescents aged 13-17 with ADHD. The study found that after four weeks of using EndeavorOTC, the participants showed significant improvements in attention, academic performance, and behavioral functioning compared to a control group. The study also found that the app reduced the symptoms of ADHD and improved the self-esteem and mood of the participants.
What does the chief medical officer say?
Dr. Scott Kollins, the chief medical officer of Akili Interactive, is a leading expert in ADHD and digital therapeutics. He has been involved in the development and testing of EndeavorOTC and EndeavorRx since the beginning. In a recent interview with Forbes, he shared his insights and vision for the app and the field of digital medicine.
Dr. Kollins said that EndeavorOTC is a novel and innovative way to treat ADHD and other attention-related problems. He said that the app is not meant to replace medication or therapy, but to complement them and provide an additional option for people who need more support. He said that the app is based on solid scientific evidence and rigorous clinical trials, and that it has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people.
Dr. Kollins also said that EndeavorOTC is part of a larger movement of using technology to deliver personalized and effective health care solutions. He said that digital medicine is a rapidly growing and evolving field that offers new opportunities and challenges for both patients and providers. He said that Akili Interactive is committed to advancing the science and practice of digital medicine, and that he is excited to be part of this journey.
