Swing Therapeutics’ Stanza Receives Positive Coverage Decision from Highmark Health for Fibromyalgia Treatment
In a major breakthrough for the treatment of fibromyalgia, Swing Therapeutics has announced that Stanza, its innovative digital therapeutic, has received a positive coverage decision from Highmark Health. This decision means that Stanza will now be available to Highmark’s commercial members across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York through a prescription, with reimbursement provided through their insurance plans. Stanza, a smartphone-based, self-guided therapy, has demonstrated significant clinical success in various trials, showing promising results in improving patients’ well-being and reducing the activity of fibromyalgia-related symptoms.
This move is part of Swing Therapeutics’ broader efforts to expand access to evidence-based, non-drug treatments for fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that affects millions of individuals across the United States. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, more than 4 million Americans are currently living with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Despite the prevalence of this condition, access to effective treatments has historically been limited.
Clinical Success and Trial Results
Stanza is a smartphone-based application designed to help individuals with fibromyalgia manage their symptoms through behavioral therapies and lifestyle modifications. The digital therapeutic works by guiding users through a self-directed program that includes strategies for improving sleep, managing pain, reducing stress, and increasing physical activity. This approach is grounded in evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique needs of fibromyalgia patients.
Stanza’s clinical success has been well-documented in several clinical trials. In July 2024, the results of the pivotal Phase 3 trial of Stanza were published in The Lancet, a renowned medical journal. The trial demonstrated that participants using Stanza experienced significant improvements in their quality of life, with reductions in pain and fatigue and improvements in overall well-being. The positive outcomes from this trial have been instrumental in securing broader insurance coverage for Stanza, marking a key milestone in the development and adoption of digital therapeutics for chronic conditions.
The Phase 3 trial involved hundreds of patients across diverse demographic backgrounds, all of whom had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Results from the trial showed that Stanza users reported improvements in several key areas, including pain management, sleep quality, and overall physical function. The evidence from this trial reinforces the growing body of research supporting digital therapeutics as a viable alternative to traditional, drug-based treatments for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.
A Step Toward Expanding Access to Non-Drug Treatments
The decision by Highmark Health to cover Stanza represents a significant step toward increasing access to non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia. Behavioral therapies like Stanza are considered guideline-directed treatments for the condition, but historically, their availability has been limited. Many patients have had to rely on prescription medications, which often come with side effects and may not fully address the underlying issues associated with fibromyalgia.
Mike Rosenbluth, the CEO of Swing Therapeutics, expressed his enthusiasm about the Highmark decision, calling it a pivotal moment for people living with fibromyalgia. He emphasized that this coverage decision would allow patients to incorporate effective, non-drug options into their treatment plans, expanding their access to the kind of care that can truly make a difference in their lives. “Behavioral therapies like Stanza are guideline-directed treatments for fibromyalgia, but until now, access has been limited for both patients and providers,” Rosenbluth explained. “Highmark’s decision is a pivotal moment for people living with fibromyalgia, offering them the opportunity to incorporate effective, non-drug options into their care plan.”
The importance of this decision cannot be overstated. Fibromyalgia has long been a condition with limited treatment options. While some patients find relief through medications such as antidepressants or pain relievers, these treatments often come with adverse side effects, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. By offering coverage for Stanza, Highmark is not only increasing access to an evidence-based, non-drug treatment, but it is also helping to shift the focus toward more holistic, patient-centered approaches to managing fibromyalgia.
Introducing Swing Care: A Comprehensive Fibromyalgia Treatment Clinic
In addition to the positive coverage decision from Highmark, Swing Therapeutics is also expanding access to Stanza through its new specialty clinic, Swing Care. Launched in Pennsylvania in 2024, Swing Care offers a comprehensive, virtual care model that integrates medication management with non-pharmacological therapies to help patients manage their fibromyalgia symptoms. Through Swing Care, patients gain access to a range of services, including behavioral care, sleep management, meaningful movement coaching, and peer support.
Swing Care’s approach is designed to provide patients with a more holistic and personalized treatment plan. Dr. Andrea Chadwick, the Medical Director of Swing Care, highlighted the clinic’s commitment to helping patients find real relief by offering a supportive, comprehensive approach to managing fibromyalgia. “At Swing Care, we’re committed to helping patients find real relief with a supportive, comprehensive approach to managing fibromyalgia that truly improves patients’ lives,” Dr. Chadwick said. “Incorporating innovative treatments like Stanza is a part of that transformation—and Highmark coverage puts it in reach for many more patients that could benefit.”
The comprehensive care model offered by Swing Care aims to address the multiple dimensions of fibromyalgia, from physical symptoms like pain and fatigue to emotional and psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression. By combining traditional medical treatments with non-drug therapies, Swing Care seeks to provide a more balanced, effective approach to fibromyalgia management. For patients, this means having access to a wide range of resources designed to improve their overall health and quality of life.
The virtual care aspect of Swing Care allows patients to access treatment from the comfort of their own homes, which is especially important for individuals with fibromyalgia who may experience difficulties with mobility or travel. Virtual care also helps to reduce the stigma that often surrounds chronic pain conditions by providing patients with a more discreet and accessible way to receive treatment.
A New Era for Fibromyalgia Treatment
The positive coverage decision from Highmark Health and the launch of Swing Care represent significant milestones in the ongoing effort to improve the lives of individuals living with fibromyalgia. With more than 4 million people affected by this condition in the United States alone, the need for effective, accessible treatments has never been more urgent. Stanza’s proven efficacy in clinical trials, combined with the expansion of virtual care options through Swing Care, offers hope to many individuals who have struggled to find relief from their symptoms.
This decision also highlights the growing recognition of digital therapeutics as a legitimate and effective form of treatment for chronic conditions. As healthcare continues to evolve, digital therapies like Stanza are poised to play an increasingly important role in managing a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to mental health disorders. With evidence supporting their effectiveness and growing insurance coverage, these digital solutions could soon become a cornerstone of modern healthcare.
For patients with fibromyalgia, the future looks brighter than ever. The availability of Stanza through Highmark Health and Swing Care’s comprehensive approach to treatment offer new opportunities for individuals to take control of their health and find relief from the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia. With continued innovation and a focus on patient-centered care, the landscape of fibromyalgia treatment is undergoing a positive transformation.
