The phrase "digital therapeutics," first used in 2015, describes revolutionary evidence-based online behavioral treatments meant to improve healthcare's effectiveness and accessibility. To guarantee high-quality design, clinical support, user-friendliness, and data security measures, these online platforms (applications and virtual reality) provide therapeutic solutions that make use of advanced technology. The creation of digital therapeutics goes back to 1995 when Doctor Joseph Kvedar had a vision of delivering care to patients beyond the traditional healthcare settings. They were created to, firstly, increase the capacity of healthcare practitioners and, secondly, to offer effective treatment alternatives for a wider range of disorders. 

One advantage that stands out is their ability to provide personalized treatments, especially in the case of mental health and addiction. Some digital therapeutic applications have even gained attention from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for potential approval. Moreover, they can deliver comparable or superior therapeutic outcomes in comparison to traditional treatments at a more cost-effective deal in that there is minimal toxicity or side effects. Over the years, with issues such as substance addiction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) adding to its focus on disease management, the global market for digital therapeutics has significantly increased. In addition to this expansion, though, market projections foresee a brighter future with an expected annual growth rate of 20%, reaching a market value of $8.7 billion by 2025. 

However, it also faces several challenges, one of which is convincing various stakeholders, including patients, insurers, regulators, and physicians, of their effectiveness and worth. Another challenge is that they require continuous refinements, which include making code modifications and updates based on user feedback and experience. 

Nonetheless, digital therapeutics stand as a promising frontier in the realm of healthcare, offering innovative solutions driven by advanced technology that hold the capacity to enhance the delivery of medical treatments.

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