EndeavorRx

Last updated
  • EndeavorRx
  • EndeavorOTC
Developer(s) Akili Interactive Labs, Inc.
Engine Akili Selective Stimulus Management
Platform(s) iOS
Android
Mode(s) Single-player

EndeavorRx and EndeavorOTC are video games used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder developed by Akili Interactive. It was based on a prototype game called NeuroRacer. NeuroRacer was developed by Akili Interactive and researchers at the University of San Francisco. [1] The game runs on an engine known as the Akili Selective Stimulus Management engine. [2] EndeavorRx was known as AKL-T01 or Project: EVO ADHD Treatment during its development. [3] On June 15, 2020, it became the first ever video game to be cleared by the FDA. It was approved to be used as a treatment for children with ADHD with the age range of 8–12. [4] [5] [6] Five studies on over 600 children were conducted to measure the effectiveness of EndeavorRx. [7] They found "a 36% improvement in at least one objective measure of attention." The side effects found by the researchers include frustration, [8] dizziness, headaches, and aggression. [9]

In the game, the player is tasked with flying a spaceship across many levels. The player is faced with numerous tasks such as finding collectibles or catching animals. The game will alter its objectives based on the player's performance. It may add new rewards and objectives or modify the game's pace in accordance with the pace of the player. EndeavorRx and EndeavorOTC attempts to challenge the player and force them to learn to multitask and ignore distractions. [10] Although both EndeavorRx and EndeavorOTC can be downloaded for mobile devices, EndeavorRX cannot be played without a prescription from a pediatrician while EndeavorOTC is sold over the counter and can be played without a prescription although it is used for adults and not children. It is recommended that the game should be played for 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. [11] Once the game has been played for the allotted time it will not let the player continue. [12]

On June 7, 2023, Akili announced that the video game will be released as an OTC for Adults with ADHD. [13] The game received FDA Approval a year later on June 18, 2024. [14]

References

  1. "Training the Older Brain in 3-D: Video Game Enhances Cognitive Control | UC San Francisco". www.ucsf.edu. 2013-09-04. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  2. Canady, Valerie A. (2020-06-29). "FDA approves first video game Rx treatment for children with ADHD" . Mental Health Weekly. 30 (26): 1–7. doi:10.1002/mhw.32423. ISSN   1058-1103. S2CID   234731507.
  3. "Akili preparing FDA bid following strong results of adolescent ADHD trial". MobiHealthNews. 2017-12-04. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  4. "Akili Announces FDA Clearance of EndeavorRxTM for Children with ADHD, the First Prescription Treatment Delivered Through a Video Game". www.businesswire.com. 2020-06-15. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  5. Park, Andrea (May 3, 2023). "Akili's therapeutic video game improves ADHD symptoms in 83% of adults: study". Archived from the original on May 6, 2023.
  6. "EndeavorRx, Akili's video game therapeutic, receives FDA De Novo clearance". MobiHealthNews. 2020-06-15. Archived from the original on May 19, 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  7. Commissioner, Office of the (2020-06-17). "FDA Permits Marketing of First Game-Based Digital Therapeutic to Improve Attention Function in Children with ADHD". FDA. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  8. "Adults with ADHD See Significant Improvements in Attention, ADHD Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Clinical Trial of Akili's EndeavorRx® Video Game-Based Therapeutic". www.businesswire.com. 2023-05-03. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  9. Urciuoli, Wendy (2020-07-01). "Wellness Through Answers News v.35:no.3 July-August 2020". Articles - Patient Care.
  10. "ADHD Treatment For Kids | Digital Therapeutic Video Game for ADHD". EndeavorRx. Retrieved 2023-05-27.
  11. "An FDA-Approved 'Prescription' Video Game?". The San Francisco Standard. 2023-04-06. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  12. Jr, Tom Huddleston (2020-06-17). "See the first-ever video game approved by the FDA as a mental health treatment". CNBC. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  13. Park, Andrea (June 7, 2023). "Akili launches over-the-counter version of attention-improving video game for adults with ADHD". Fierce Biotech. Questex.
  14. "Akili Announces FDA Authorization of EndeavorOTC, the First FDA Clearance of a Digital Treatment for Adults with ADHD Through a Video Game" (Press release). Akili, Inc. June 18, 2024 via BusinessWire.