Remepy has announced a collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt Germany, to explore the development of so-called hybrid drugs that combine medicines with personalised digital therapeutic programmes.

The companies said the initial focus will be on selected US programmes in a rare tumour setting, with scope to expand into additional therapeutic areas in future.

Hybrid drugs are designed to combine pharmacological treatment with software-based interventions delivered through a mobile application. These programmes may include behavioural, cognitive, physical or motor support intended to complement medicine use and improve outcomes.

The partnership reflects growing pharmaceutical interest in combining medicines with digital tools that support adherence, symptom monitoring, patient engagement and personalised care.

Michal Tsur, co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Remepy, said: “We are excited about our collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, that is a leading science and technology company.”

She added: “Remepy’s Hybrid Drug platform combines traditional drugs with evidence-based AI enabled digital interventions delivering personalized, adaptive integrative treatment.”

Neither company disclosed financial terms of the agreement, programme names or development timelines.

The announcement comes as regulators continue to define pathways for products combining medicines with software. Remepy pointed to FDA guidance on Prescription Drug Use-Related Software, as well as wider development of software as a medical device frameworks.

Digital therapeutics companies have historically faced reimbursement and commercialisation challenges when marketed as standalone products. Combining software directly with prescription medicines could offer a different route to adoption if regulators and payers support integrated models.

For larger pharmaceutical groups, combination approaches may also create opportunities to differentiate existing therapies, improve patient support and potentially strengthen real-world outcomes.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt Germany, has interests across healthcare, life science tools and electronics. The collaboration suggests continued interest from established pharma groups in software-enabled treatment models, particularly where specialist disease areas may benefit from more tailored patient management.

Without disclosed clinical data or programme specifics, the near-term significance of the deal remains strategic rather than operational. However, it highlights continued movement toward combined drug and digital treatment approaches.