Alagille syndrome is a rare pediatric disorder where the bile cannot properly drain out of the liver, leading to excessive bile buildup and constant, severe itch. As patients get older, there’s a need to shift them from passive patients to active, empowered advocates who are engaged with their treatment and fully educated about the complexities of their disease. Research shows understanding is key to successful treatment, and this is especially important when it comes to the treatment of kids. However, there is a huge unmet need in this space for kid-appropriate ways to educate patients about their disease. The objective was to put something in the hands of kids that was educational, yet fun and engaging—ultimately distracting from the constant, severe itch and calling attention to the importance of caring for the liver.

Liverwatchi is a handheld digital pet liver that teaches kids living with Alagille syndrome how to watch over their own livers. Inspired by the charmingly, accessible, 8-bit technology from the 90s, it’s a Tomagotchi reboot through a health lens.

As patients get older, there’s a need to shift them from passive patients to active, empowered advocates who are engaged with their treatment and fully educated about the complexities of their disease. This pocket-sized toy from Mirum Pharmaceuticals will: 1) provide kid-friendly health information, 2) empower child patients to take control of their bodies and overall disease, and most importantly, 3) offer kids with a fun, yet educational, distraction from their intense, constant itch.

As one said about this innovation, “In the midst of an epic bile acid battle, Liverwatchi is a playful, yet powerful, reminder of who’s in charge.”

Research further showed that kids who understand their bodies and their disease are more likely to have successful treatment outcomes. But how do you educate young kids about something so complex? How can they learn about their cholestatic pruritus (itch) associated with Alagille syndrome, the effects of bile not properly draining out of their livers, and the importance of keeping their livers healthy and alive?

The strategy—MAKE IT FUN! Mirum Pharmaceuticals is looking to launch the first toy that educates, entertains, and empowers kid patients to do everything possible to keep their (pet) livers alive—while also keeping their hands from itching.

Mirum Pharmaceuticals is looking to launch the first toy that educates, entertains, and empowers kid patients to do everything possible to keep their (pet) livers alive—while also keeping their hands from itching. Developed completely from scratch—including the software, the motherboard, and the casing—the entire Liverwatchi experience was designed not only with the disease in mind, but with the mentality of a kid in mind. Behavioral strategists, health specialists, and toy engineers all collaborated to create this pocket-sized, educational, engagement gadget that bleeps and bloops as it begs for attention and challenges it’s kid owner to watch over it and properly care for it. It eats, sleeps, takes vitamins/medicine, plays, and even poops—just like those living with Alagille syndrome. It demands a lot, but with the push of a button and a little TLC, our empowered advocates can stay in charge!

Elise, a participant, said “I love my (pet) liver!”. Another participant, Javier, said “I never thought a toy could teach me so much. All the things it needs are things I need to keep my liver healthy and alive. And Bart, a caregiver to a participant said, “She has a greater sense of responsibility now.” Once Liverwatchi was placed in the hands of our targets we immediately saw the results we were looking for: "More time playing, less time itching”.

Liverwatchi, as a prototype, is currently being piloted by a handful of KOLs (Kid Opinion Leaders). With approximately 2600 kids diagnosed with Alagille syndrome, the goal is to get a Liverwatchi into the itching hands of every age-appropriate patient by National Rare Disease Day—Feb 28, 2023.

The excitement and receptivity from our clients was the starting point. They were 100% invested. And once the prototype was in the hands of our targets we immediately saw the results we were looking for—"More time playing, less time itching.” 3 small buttons generated hours of game play and immeasurable knowledge about Alagille syndrome. Elise, a participant, said “I love my (pet) liver!”. Another participant, Javier, said “I never thought a toy could teach me so much. All the things it needs are things I need to keep my liver healthy and alive." And Bart, a caregiver to a participant said, “She has a greater sense of responsibility now.” Liverwatchi is currently being piloted by a handful of Kid Opinion Leaders. With approximately 2600 kids diagnosed with Alagille syndrome, the goal is to get a Liverwatchi into the itching hands of every age-appropriate patient by National Rare Disease Day, 2023.