WellDoc said the support of leading drugmaker Merck for its $20 million investment round symbolises a change of attitude among big pharma firms.

Backers for WellDoc, which is best known for having pioneered the first FDA-approved app-based prescription therapy, in its latest round include Merck’s specialist investment fund, as well as VC firm Windham Venture Partners.

“Big pharma is starting to understand that they need to move from a widget sale to a solution sale to support patients holistically,” said Ryan Sysko (pictured), founder and chief executive of WellDoc in a Forbes interview. “It [Merck investment] signifies a transition of what it takes to manage a chronic condition.”

WellDoc’s FDA-approved flagship product, which is called BlueStar, is for use by adults living with Type 2 diabetes. The new funding will be used to launch and commercialise BlueStar.

Merck is one of the leading investors in digital health and is, in fact, the only pharma firm with a dedicated fund for the sector, with $500 million under management.