Software Development

How a Pharmaceutical Mobile AppReached 500K+ Users

Pharmaceutical - Cross Platform App - Healthcare Data Search - Japan Client

A pharmaceutical client needed a better mobile experience for searching, refilling and tracking medications, as relying mainly on name-based search created friction for users. Newwave Solutions redefined the medication access journey by introducing barcode and QR code scanning, streamlining prescription refill workflows and enabling real-time order tracking. As a result, users could access medication information and manage prescriptions faster, more conveniently and with greater confidence.

Client Context

The client operated in the pharmaceutical sector and had a mobile app designed to help users access medication information and manage prescriptions.

However, the original app depended heavily on name based search, which was not always convenient when users needed to identify drugs quickly. The client needed a more practical search experience, stronger refill support and reliable performance across both Android and iOS.

Service

Mobile App Development

Platform

Mobile (Android / iOS)

Type

Cross-platform

Team size

Business Stakes

If the app experience remained limited, the client risked several product and adoption challenges

Lower app adoption

Limited search capabilities could reduce repeat usage and overall app value.

Missed refill moments

Poor refill and tracking support could lead to prescription renewal delays.

Maintenance complexity

The app needed stable performance across devices while handling sensitive health data.

Our Approach

Rather than treating the project as a simple feature upgrade, Newwave Solutions focused on making medication access faster, more flexible and easier to maintain across platforms. The team proposed expanding the app beyond name-based search by introducing barcode and QR code scanning. This allowed users to access drug information more directly from real world packaging, while preserving the existing search experience for users who preferred manual input. The solution also strengthened the broader medication journey by supporting prescription refills, real time order tracking and auto refill setup.

Technical Decisions

React Native

Enabled cross platform development for Android and iOS while supporting a consistent user experience across devices.

Ignite

Helped accelerate React Native development with a structured setup for scalable mobile app delivery.

Firebase

Supported secure, real-time data handling and notification related functionality.

Swift, Kotlin, Java and Objective C

Enabled native module integration for platform specific capabilities, including scanning related functionality.

JavaScript and TypeScript

Supported maintainable app logic and long-term codebase scalability.

Jira

Helped manage Agile workflows, iterative updates and transparent development tracking.

Collaboration Model

Newwave Solutions worked as the client’s end-to-end development partner, taking responsibility for requirement analysis, mobile app development, smart search implementation, system stability assurance and ongoing feature maintenance. Beyond execution, the team also provided technical consulting and product recommendations to help the client prioritize features, optimize user experience and ensure scalability throughout the project lifecycle. The project was delivered by a dedicated team of 4 specialists with a total effort of 10 man-months over a 3-month timeline. Development was managed through Agile workflows using Jira, which helped keep progress transparent, facilitate continuous feedback and ensure alignment with the client’s business priorities. This collaboration model was important because the app had to maintain stability while introducing new scanning functions, refill flows and real time tracking features across multiple devices and operating system versions.

Risk Handling

As the team expanded the app beyond traditional name-based search, maintaining stability became a critical concern. QR and barcode scanning had to work seamlessly alongside existing search functions, since any disruption could undermine user trust when accessing medication information. To avoid this, Newwave Solutions integrated scanning capabilities through native SDKs while keeping the codebase reusable and easy to maintain, ensuring consistent performance across both Android and iOS. At the same time, the app handled sensitive health-related data and real-time prescription updates. By leveraging Firebase for secure data processing and reliable status synchronization, the team ensured users could track medication orders smoothly without delays or visibility gaps.

Product Outcomes

Broader medication search access

Users can search more than 34,500 drug records through a centralized and continuously updated medication database. The catalog includes over 12,500 over-the-counter (OTC) medications and more than 22,000 prescription drugs, giving users access to a wide range of treatment options within a single application.

Faster drug lookup

Barcode and QR code scanning were added alongside name based search. Users can simply scan medication packaging to retrieve drug information instantly, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing search errors.

Improved prescription continuity

Refill prescriptions and auto refill setup were added to the app experience. These features help users maintain consistent access to essential medications by reducing the risk of missed refills and treatment interruptions.

Clearer order visibility

Real time prescription order tracking was supported through the app. Users can monitor the status of their prescriptions throughout the fulfillment process, from order confirmation to preparation and delivery. Increased transparency helps reduce uncertainty and decreases the need for customer support inquiries related to order status.

Stronger cross platform reach

The app was delivered across Android and iOS and reached more than 500,000 installs across platforms. Supporting both major mobile ecosystems enabled the client to maximize market coverage and provide a consistent user experience regardless of device preference.

The Business Impact

By transforming the app into a seamless medication access and management platform, the project delivered measurable value for both users and the client's long-term digital healthcare strategy.

Improved operational efficiency through automated refill and auto-refill workflows, helping streamline prescription management and reduce administrative overhead.

Supported revenue growth by creating more opportunities for repeat prescription orders and refill transactions through a convenient, user-friendly digital channel.

Strengthened customer loyalty by delivering a more reliable and transparent medication management experience, helping build long-term trust in the client’s healthcare ecosystem.

Reduced customer support workload by giving users greater visibility into prescription status, refill schedules and medication information directly within the app, minimizing routine inquiries and manual assistance.

Established a scalable foundation for future growth, allowing the client to introduce additional healthcare services and engagement initiatives without significant changes to the core platform.

Newwave Solutions was highly cooperative throughout the development process and consistently delivered according to the agreed timeline. Their reliable execution enabled us to improve operational efficiency, streamline key workflows, and ultimately deliver a higher-quality experience for healthcare professionals using the platform.

Our Client