Exco InTouch has launched an app, called Target My Hives, that creates a disease-specific social network for people with chronic urticaria, or hives.

Developed with funding and support from Novartis, the application is available for iOS and Android users, and already has 2,000 patients registered from 61 countries. It allows users to enter such information as their level of control over their hives or what triggers them. From here, the app matches users anonymously with patients that have similar symptoms. They can then share updates and offer support on a Facebook-like platform. Patients are also able to swap tips for living with hives, dealing with flare-ups, etc.

“To date, patients have already been reporting how much it is helping them manage their condition, and empowering them to share their own knowledge that may help others,” Exco InTouch CEO Tim Davis said in a statement. “Our mission is to connect everyone, patients, physicians and support groups together. But most importantly, we want to use technology to help patients to actively take control of the condition.”

Beyond connecting patients, the app provides tools for tracking the condition, a locator for finding a nearby specialist, and can connect the user to a patient advocacy group.

Exco InTouch has previously co-operated with pharma companies for patient-facing apps, such as MeAndMyCOPD that was made in partnership with the NHS and AstraZeneca in 2013.

[Via: mobihealthnews]