Apple’s ECG Watch With J&J To Undergo Large Scale Clinical Testing
Janssen Pharmaceuticals – a member of the Johnson & Johnson group of companies along with Apple Inc will be conducting an intensive research study to investigate the efficient functioning of J&J’s new heart health program app in combination with Apple Watch’s irregular rhythm notifications and ECG app. The motive behind is to check if it can accelerate the early diagnosis and improve health in patients living with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
After a survey conducted by Johnson & Johnson across the world, it was found that more than 33 million people have atrial fibrillation which results in 130,000 deaths and 750,000 hospitalizations annually.
The Apple Watch with ECG function and irregular heartbeat notifications went live last month after FDA give them a go. Under the agreement made, this watch will be paired with Johnson & Johnson developed patient engagement app in order to improve cardiovascular outcomes and prevent strokes. A multi-year research program will be launched in the U.S only later in 2019 and will be designed to enrolling participants with age 65 and older to conduct the study.
Paul Stoffels, M.D., Vice Chair of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson in a press release
by J&J said that most of the people with AFib are unaware are unaware of the risks they are prone to. Via this collaboration – early detection, diagnosis & treatment will be made possible which would improve the outcomes. He also added that after analyzing the results of this study they can come up with newer ways to detect other health conditions earlier in the future that also exhibit measurable physiological symptoms.“Through Apple Watch people have been able to learn more about their heart health, including discovering they have AFib. This kind of information empowers customers to follow up with the right treatment or even better, implement healthy habits aimed at prevention,” said Jeff Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Apple Inc. “We’re excited to work with Johnson & Johnson, a leader in the medical community, as we learn about the impact Apple Watch can have in delivering better health outcomes.”
This team-up of Johnson & Johnson’s expertise in treating cardiovascular disease and Apple’s experience in utilizing cutting-edge technologies to improve the lives of consumers is expected to improve the lives of many people on a large scale.
