Better Health, an iPhone App Away: Sanofi SA (ADR) (SNY), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

The app includes a Psoriasis Area & Severity Index, which provides an interactive anatomical graph of where on the body a patient’s psoriasis is affecting and to what extent. Patients can also answer and share a questionnaire to help doctors determine the best treatment.

Download the app through Apple’s iTunes or you can use the online version.

Foolish final thoughts
The specialized apps from Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Merck serve as better promotions for their drugs than the easily replicated general topics like VIVUS’ weight loss app. Sanofi SA (ADR) (NYSE:SNY)’s program will actually drive revenues, since there’s a physical device required.

While it’s unlikely these apps will move the needle too much in the near term, our health care system desperately needs to improve patient adherence when it comes to prescription drugs. Given this need, and the pervasiveness of smartphones, I expect more and more pharmaceutical companies and insurers to jump on this bandwagon in the future.

The article Better Health, an iPhone App Away originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Brandy Betz.

Fool contributor Brandy Betz has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool owns shares of Johnson & Johnson.

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