Merck Sharp and Dohme and Ayogo creating new diabetes game

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced it is working with digital health specialist Ayogo to create a new diabetes management game.

The Type 2 Travellers Project game is currently being piloted and allows type 2 diabetes patients to go on a virtual journey around the world, competing in activities to win gold coins while interacting with an online community of fellow diabetics.

With this game, users will be educated and reminded of the need to stick to their prescribed programme of treatment, while drawing inspiration from other people who are also working hard to control their conditions.

Two pilots schemes have already been carried out, with a third currently underway.

Ayogo's chief executive Michael Fergusson said: "Our goal is to help diabetics get their condition under control. Users feel like they are getting gold for having fun, but really they get it for engagement."

This comes after fellow pharmaceutical company Sanofi teamed up with Ayogo and Diabetes UK to launch a game called Monster Manor for type 1 diabetes patients earlier this year.