Mechanisms of action for digital therapeutics

Digital therapeutics (DTx) are increasingly established, yet their mechanisms of action (MoA) remain underexplored. This article defines and categorizes DTx MoA through a novel conceptual framework, distinguishing them from conventional treatments. We specifically conceptualize therapeutic elements, cognitive-affective and behavioral changes, and segment the notion of “dose” into distinct categories. This actionable framework provides a systematic basis for enhancing DTx research, design, and clinical effectiveness.

Reif, Simon, Ariel Dora Stern, Benedikt Langenberger, Felix Schirmann und (2026), Mechanisms of action for digital therapeutics, npj Digital Medicine 9(274)