by Richard RogoskiPersonalized vital signs monitor in the works
A California company is working on a device that will allow people to collect their own vitals and other health data using a smartphone platform. Scanadu announced it has secured $10.5 million in Series A funding which will be used to support its marketing strategy and to seek FDA approval for a portfolio of devices aimed at consumer healthcare.
The idea will combine the smartphone platform, miniature sensors, cloud technologies and big data to empower individuals and help them live longer and healthier lives.
Scanadu plans to begin its first clinical trials on a device it unveiled last year called the Scanadu Scout. Those trials will be conducted at the Scripps Translational Science Institute as part of the "Wired for Health" mobile trial which includes patients who live with diabetes, hypertension and heart arrhythmia.
When held to the temple, the Scanadu Scout is said to accurately read in less than 10 seconds a person's temperature, respiratory rate, oximetry, ECG, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Data collected by this device are uploaded to the Scanadu smartphone app via Bluetooth so they can be read.
In a press release Scanadu founder and CEO Walter De Brouwer noted: "We are more determined than ever to make the first 'medical tricorder' a reality. With the experience and expertise of this group of investors and advisors, we know we’re in the right position to take our vision all the way and put FDA approved devices in the hands of consumers."
Related Articles
Topics: Technology & IT
