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.

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

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? Our strategy—MAKE IT FUN! 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.

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!

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.

Pharma work in the United States is subject to legal review boards. Liverwatchi will continue to be rigorously scrutinized by medical, legal, and regulatory committees at Mirum Pharmaceuticals and will align with guidance put forth by The Food and Drug Administration. This innovation is not intended to sell a brand.

We targeted the pediatric population currently receiving treatment for Alagille syndrome. These patients continue to intensely itch—and are itching for more: more information, more independence, and more time free from physically itching their skin. Putting low-tech in their hands was a smart way to distract, while educating and entertaining.