Google Inc.’s life sciences group has developed a health-tracking wristband that can be used for clinical trial research and drug tests. Developed by Google’s X research division, the wristband can measure pulse, heart rhythm, skin temperature, light exposure and noise levels to giving researchers minute-by-minute patient data. The device is designed to become a medical device instead of a consumer device.
“Our intended use is for this to become a medical device that’s prescribed to patients or used for clinical trials,” said Andy Conrad, head of the life sciences team at Google in an interview with Bloomberg.
Google plans to collaborate with academic researchers and drugmakers to test the wristband’s accuracy and seek regulatory clearance to use it in the U.S. and Europe. Trials are set to start over the summer, according to Google spokeswoman Jacquelyn Miller. Google may also potentially look for a manufacturing partner.
“I envision a day, in 20 or 30 years, where physicians give it to all patients,” said Conrad. “Prevention means all the time.”
