Telehealth in 2025: Q&A with Peter Ax

Peter Ax
Founder and CEO
Upscript Health

New technology is making it easier for more companies to embrace telehealth, which in turn is providing more opportunities for pharma companies to interact with HCPs and patients. Peter Ax, founder and CEO of Upscript Health, spoke with Pharmaceutical Executive about what he sees for telehealth in the coming year.

Pharmaceutical Executive: What does the DEA extending telehealth for controlled substances mean for 2025?
Peter Ax: The DEA's extension of telehealth for Schedule II-V medications will continue to improve patient access to essential prescriptions, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas. Additionally, this extension will likely spur further digital health innovation, enabling more sophisticated and personalized care delivery. It also could incentivize pharmaceutical companies to explore new ways of leveraging telehealth to improve patient outcomes and engagement.

PE: Why are more companies investing in telehealth?
Ax: While the healthcare industry has been slow to adapt to the digital age, there’s now a clear and urgent demand for digital solutions to address challenges in care delivery. UpScript is at the forefront of this movement, partnering with pharmaceutical and medical device companies to enhance patient access through telemedicine. This involves providing virtual consultations for patients seeking a range of innovative therapies, from medications to medical devices and diagnostic tests.

The demand for these services is driven by both pharmaceutical companies and consumers. Pharmaceutical companies are eager to streamline patient journeys, eliminating obstacles and improving care. Consumers, having experienced the convenience of telehealth during the pandemic, now expect quick, affordable, and accessible care.

PE: How will USH expand access to care for complicated and rare diseases that require infusions or injections?
Ax: While direct-to-consumer telemedicine initially began with lifestyle drugs for conditions like hair loss, we are now using it for more complex, life-saving treatments. This year alone, we’ve introduced a variety of new treatments for various conditions including testosterone replacement therapy, early detection for esophageal cancer, opioid withdrawal relief, respiratory disorders including Covid and female incontinence. As we move into 2025, we plan to continue expanding access to care for complicated and rare diseases by exploring innovative solutions and partnerships.

PE: How are some HCPs using Telehealth platforms to treat side effects of medications for rare diseases?
Ax: Telehealth platforms are increasingly being used by healthcare providers to effectively manage the side effects of medications for rare diseases. By leveraging remote consultations, HCPs can monitor patients closely, adjust treatment plans as needed, and provide timely interventions to mitigate side effects.

For example, next year, we’re planning to launch a new partnership where those with Rett syndrome will have access to medications via telehealth to treat common side effects. Patients with the condition will be able to easily connect with a licensed provider to receive treatment from home, eliminating the need for additional in-person visits and reducing the burden of managing this complex condition.