Vendors

VitalConnect dives deeper into at-home patient monitoring

August 20, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

‘The need for in-home health care is critical’

SAN JOSE, Calif. –With the recent launch of its VistaTablet and recognition by The Tech Tribune as one of the 10 Best Startups in San Jose, VitalConnect is extending the capabilities of its Vista Solution platform further into the at-home patient monitoring space.

“The aging population is growing and, as a result, the need for in-home health care comparable to that of a hospital is critical,” said Dr. Nersi Nazari, CEO and founder of VitalConnect.

In recognizing VitalConnect, The Tech Tribune cited the company’s “extensive expertise in biomedical engineering, data analytics, chip design and mobile and cloud software to create technology that supports decision-making paradigms that achieve better health and economic outcomes.”

The company’s technology includes the new VistaTablet, which hosts and transmits up to eight vital signs measured by the VitalPatch biosensor, making the data accessible to the patient and to health care providers through the Vista Solution platform. The platform allows the patient’s physiological data to be accessible through an app or directly on the VistaTablet.

Nazari said that health care providers are shifting eligible patients toward home care more frequently as a result of rising health care costs, an increasingly aging population and validating patient outcomes for advanced remote monitoring technologies.

“For acute care and the aging population, home hospital programs offer an affordable solution to health care that works for providers and patients,” he said.

The company is also exploring how its technology can be applied to specific conditions like cancer. It recently teamed with Haga Teaching Hospital and data analytics platform provider physIQ on a study to evaluate how wearable biosensors and artificial intelligence-based analytics can augment clinical care for patients in cancer treatment.

Microsoft acquires patent for Glabella

August 13, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

REDMOND, Wash. – Microsoft has acquired a patent for glasses that monitor blood pressure.

The wearable device, called Glabella, continuously monitors heart rates at three sites on the wearer’s head, and integrates optical sensors and processing, storage and communication components into the frame to passively collect physiological data about the user without the need for any interaction.

In a recent paper published by Microsoft, author Christian Holz wrote that Glabella continuously records the stream of reflected light intensities from blood flow, as well as inertial measurements of the user’s head.

The company has tested the device on four participants who wore Glabella during their regular daytime activities over five days.

“Our analysis shows a high correlation between the pulse transit times computed on our devices with participants’ heart rates and systolic blood pressure values measured using the oscillometric cuffs,” Holz wrote. “Our results indicate that Glabella has the potential to serve as a socially acceptable capture device, requiring no user input or behavior changes during regular activities, and whose continuous measurements may prove informative to physicians as well as users’ self-tracking activities.”

With $30M in new funding, Evidation Health launches new data platform

August 3, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

SAN MATEO, Calif. – Evidation Health has raised $30 million in Series C funding in a round co-led by SV Health Investors and B Capital Group.

The company has also launched a new data platform that allows customers to analyze and process large-scale sensor and behavior data in clinically meaningful ways, said Deborah Kilpatrick, CEO of Evidation Health, in a statement.

“Our new data platform makes it easier for statisticians and data scientists at life sciences and health care companies to take everyday behavior and health care data, analyze it, and create a new understanding of health,” she said. “This will help Evidation speed a transformation in real world research and knowledge, so we can better treat, diagnose, and predict the onset of disease.”

By linking real world data from smartphones and connected sensors—including wearables and medical devices—with traditional medical data, Evidation measures how behaviors outside of the doctor’s office or hospital relate to health and impact outcomes, Kilpatrick said.

The new platform can process data from more than 100 sources, including Apple Health, Fitbit, Epic, Blue Button and Dexcom. It currently processes more than 1 trillion data points each year across millions of individuals, and is being used in the areas of diabetes, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, asthma and more.

In addition to supporting the new data platform, the funding will also be used to develop partnerships, and to launch research studies to better understand and measure how everyday behavior and health interact, said Kilpatrick.

“Evidation’s ability to link patient behavior to medical outcomes is truly revolutionary and will help transform how we measure health in everyday life,” said Raj Ganguly, co-founder and partner of B Capital Group, in a statement.

Since 2012, Evidation Health has built a virtual pool of more than 2 million research participants through its Achievement app.

KYomed changes name, focuses strategy

July 31, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

MONTPELLIER, France – Contract research company KYomed celebrated its fourth anniversary this year by changing its name and launching a new digital tool.

Now called KYomed INNOV, the company wants to make sure its focus in e-health is on innovation and the human factor.

“When we started, we had an idea of the environment we were in and what we wanted to do, but that has matured over time,” said Sabrina Serpillon, business development manager for KYomed INNOV. “Everything we do now is about involving human beings into innovation.”

KYomed INNOV offers integrated services that help companies accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative products in health care and personal autonomy, Serpillon said. Recent projects have included: evaluating the use and functionalities of a connected pillbox prototype developed by Sanofi; and coordinating a global project to develop and assess a mobile app for preventing, optimizing and personalizing treatment for allergic rhinitis.

The company is currently coordinating the development of a mobile app that will collect data for project POLLAR, which aims to define the link between pollution, pollen and respiratory conditions.

Serpillon said KYomed INNOV’s services can help companies adapt their technology for wider use and expand their markets.

“Many products are developed for one country but can easily be adapted for use in many others,” she said. “People in Europe live differently than those in the U.S.; connected devices have to be adapted to the country where they’ll be used.”

KYomed INNOV recently introduced ePRO (electronic patient reported outcomes), a software suite that includes an application for use by the patient and a web-based platform for use by clinical investigators. Patients fill out a standard or customized scientific electronic questionnaire that relates to the symptoms experienced, as well as the impact of the medical intervention on the patient’s quality of life. Investigators can view the data through a platform, which integrates with other software in their practice.

“Thanks to this tool, our clients will be able to integrate all of these data points into their clinical studies and strengthen their applications with a view to achieving a CE and/or (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) mark,” Serpillon said.

NYC firefighters to monitor hypertension with Quardio system

July 30, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

NEW YORK – Members of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association of New York City will be able to monitor symptoms of hypertension with Qardio’s remote monitoring solutions.

The initiative is the result of a successful pilot program by Mt. Sinai Health Care System, where doctors monitored firefighters using the QuardioArm smart blood pressure monitor and the QardioMD dashboard

“We are proud to be able to give UFOA members a way to look after their hearts that fit the demands of their active jobs,” said Martina Janeckova, vice president of business development at Qardio, in a statement.

The UFOA of NYC represents 2,600 active members and 5,000 retirees. Through the initiative, members will be able to check their blood pressure anytime and anywhere, and share the data with their doctors automatically.

The QuardoArm blood pressure monitor connects to a Quardio app on the user’s smartphone, allowing the ability to track measurements over time, set reminders and share readings. Recorded data is synched to the QuardioMD dashboard.

“Home blood pressure monitoring using Qardio’s Bluetooth enabled blood pressure cuff has proven to be an easy yet powerful way to have our members track their own health while doctors monitor their vitals without disrupting their lives,” said George Farinacci, vice president of UFOA, in a statement.

Anthem, Samsung, American Well collaborate on telehealth offering

July 25, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

INDIANAPOLIS & MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & BOSTON – Anthem, Samsung and American Well have announced a telehealth collaboration for people with an Anthem-affiliated health plan and who have the updated Samsung Health app on a Samsung Galaxy device to access LiveHealth Online within Samsung Health.

“Anthem’s partnership with Samsung and American Well is one way we are investing in innovation and digital capabilities that will advance access to health care for consumers across the country,” said Peter Haytaian, executive vice president and president, commercial and specialty business division, Anthem, in a statement.

The telehealth service in Samsung Health connects consumers with U.S. based, board-certified health care providers for a variety of non-emergency medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The health care needs of consumers are incredibly dynamic, and technology will continue to be the gateway to enable consumers broader choice of care to improve their health and wellbeing,” Haytaian said.

LiveHealth Online, which is powered by American Well’s technology, gives consumers the ability to “Ask an Expert,” and consult a care provider through video chat. During the visit, the care provider can provide a diagnosis and submit a prescription. Consumers also have access to additional services offered exclusively on the Samsung Health app like fitness training, maternity advice, sleep tracking and other health-related offerings.

“Our goal with Samsung Health’s ‘Experts’ service is to provide users with ubiquitous access to leading health care providers and insurers quickly and cost effectively, right from the palm of their hands,” said Nana Murugesan, vice president and general manager, services and new business at Samsung Electronics America, in a statement.

Omada Health’s DPP receives full recognition from CDC

July 3, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

SAN FRANCISCO – Omada Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program recently became the largest provider to receive full recognition status from the Centers for Disease Control.

As part of a process that takes several years, providers must undergo a rigorous curriculum review and meet minimum standards for user engagement and participant weight loss. It is a designation that payers and employers look for when selecting providers, said Adam Brickman, senior director of strategic communications and public policy at Omada Health.

“Full recognition status is a validation of our baseline approach and signifies a real openness to this kind of health care innovation,” he said. “It means we are achieving positive outcomes at scale and delivering it to people with effectiveness.”

Omada Health’s DPP is a digital behavior change program that centers around weight loss intervention and weight maintenance for people with pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Participants receive a digital scale and use their smartphone or fitness device to track physical activity and food intake. They work with a digital health coach and receive tips and feedback, as well as reminders and personal goals.

While the program is also available on an in-person basis, the digital version allows Omada to reach people in rural or underserved areas, or those who are already comfortable with digital health solutions.

Brickman said the company plans to continue to work with lawmakers and policymakers to make the case for incorporating digital DPP into Medicare.

“Soon enough there are not going to be enough doctors to treat patients with chronic conditions and programs like this enable the health care system to reach individuals before they get seriously ill,” he said. “These programs are fundamental to how we approach health care in the 21st century.”

IDC highlights top digital patient engagement companies

June 28, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – Five digital health companies were highlighted in a recent International Data Corporation report that focused on key emerging vendors in the patient engagement market.

“While the market is cluttered with vendors that offer patient engagement solutions, IDC believes the vendors profiled in this document come closest to offering a broad array of functionality that, in some cases, spans both administrative and clinical interactions,” said Cynthia Burghard, research director at IDC Health Insights, in a statement.

The companies named as IDC Innovators are: Clarify Health, which offers a suite of apps to drive improved patient engagement; Conversa Health, which provides an interactive, updated communication platform between patients and their health care organizations for care management/navigation; Get Real Health, which offers EHR-agnostic longitudinal patient records and an interactive user interface; mPulse Mobile, which uses interactive text messaging to engage patients for appointment reminders and self-management of chronic conditions; and Vivify Health, which offers remote patient monitoring kits for recently discharged/high-risk patients, a mobile app to assist in self-management for patients with rising clinical risk and interactive voice response.

“The industry and, more importantly, patients have suffered under inconvenient access to health care,” said Cynthia Burghard, research director at IDC Health Insights, in a statement. “Digital patient engagement is poised to change that by providing health care consumers access to both administrative and clinical support conveniently in a personalized and interactive dialogue when needed. IDC believes this will improve not only the patient experience but improve patient compliance to health management strategies and result in better health.”

Adherium takes smartinhaler over the counter

June 26, 2018 by Kathy Dion 2 Comments

‘This opens up channels for patients to get their arms around their disease’

SAN MATEO, Calif. – Adherium recently received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market its smartinhaler sensor technology direct to consumers, paving the way for people with respiratory conditions to purchase the device over the counter, without a prescription.

“This is part of our overall strategy in the U.S.,” said Arik Anderson, CEO of Adherium, which plans to launch the technology here by the end of June.

Adherium’s smartinhaler sensor was developed for use with AstraZeneca’s Symbicort aerosol asthma inhaler. It is installed into a patient’s inhaler to monitor and promote asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medication as part of a self-management plan, Anderson said.

The smartinhaler sensor records the date and precise time the inhaler is used and automatically transmits that data to an app on the patient’s phone or tablet. It also stores historical data on usage patterns, allowing physicians to review and help make evidence-based decisions.

“Adherence is not just about remembering to take your medication, but also to ensure you’re using it correctly,” said Anderson. “If the physician is not seeing positive results, they can use the data collected by the smartinhaler to dig deeper and see what’s actually going on. For the first time, this device provides the physician with the feedback that goes beyond patient recollection.”

The sensor design also includes three buttons that help patients access the audio/visual reminders, battery monitoring and Bluetooth wireless technology.

Anderson said several clinical studies over the past couple of years have shown that the use of the company’s smartinhaler technology can decrease visits to the emergency room and missed school days by young patients with asthma and COPD.

“They are good statistics, but if you don’t have access to the technology it can be frustrating,” he said.

Direct-to-consumer approval is a key step in Adherium’s journey through the health care system, said Anderson.

“This FDA approval begins to open up channels for patients to get their arms around their disease,” Anderson said. “It’s the beginning of being able to address the $34 billion problem of non-adherence to respiratory medication.”

Orbita leverages partnerships to extend reach into homes

June 26, 2018 by Kathy Dion Leave a Comment

‘Our use cases are becoming broader and deeper’

BOSTON– Voice technology provider Orbita is teaming up with AARP to study how conversational artificial intelligence solutions can improve remote patient monitoring and reduce social isolation in seniors who are aging at home.

“The main challenge with digital health care is that the success is tied to the level of patient engagement,” said Nate Treloar, president and COO of Orbita. “Voice-assisted technology is really a lifestyle device that can support a patient’s wellness and changes the experience.”

The work between Orbita and AARP will guide the ongoing development of solutions providing intuitive in-home access to information and tools to improve self-care among adults. Digital assistants can provide greetings and positive affirmations, as well as deliver daily medication reminders and perform important care tasks. Voice technology can be a good option for seniors who might not be able to use a smart phone because they can’t hold it well or see the screen.

Partnerships like the one with AARP are important for Orbita, a company that provides a platform for creating and maintaining voice-powered health care applications, Treloar said.

“We’re a technology company that enables companies to use these technologies to solve the problem of patient engagement—we don’t have a device,” he said. “These kinds of partnerships are critical for us to be able to reach into the home.”

The partnership with AARP also has Orbita collaborating with Pillo Health, developers of a home care companion robot, to research how integrating voice assisted technology into the device can improve diabetes care management.

In addition to the work with AARP, Orbita also recently signed an agreement with a large health insurance company and is getting traction with the pharma and biotech industries, Treloar said.

“We are very busy, actively licensing and deploying our technology across health care organizations,” he said. “Our use cases are becoming broader and deeper.”