Fitbit Collaborates with Scripps Research & Stanford Medicine to Study the Role of Wearables to Detect, Track & Contain Infec...
14 April 2020 - 11:00PM
Business Wire
Fitbit (NYSE: FIT) is collaborating with The Scripps Research
Institute and Stanford Medicine on groundbreaking research aimed at
using Fitbit data to help detect, track and contain infectious
diseases like COVID-19. This new research consortium invites other
institutions to join in this collective effort and share key
learnings with the research community. Early detection is critical
for effective public health response to infectious disease
outbreaks. There already has been early evidence that wearables,
like Fitbit devices, have the potential to help predict the onset
of an infectious disease like the flu before symptoms start, and
the goal of this consortium is to unlock similar potential via
leading research institutions in response to COVID-19.
“Fitbit is proud to work with Scripps Research and Stanford,
which both have a long history of cutting-edge research in the area
of wearables and infectious disease detection,” said James Park,
co-founder and CEO of Fitbit. “By bringing together these and other
leaders in scientific research, we hope to rapidly advance science
and innovation in the fight against COVID-19 by promoting consumer
participation in critical research efforts, supporting frontline
healthcare workers with donated wearable devices, and sharing
learnings quickly and openly across research partners.”
Advancing infectious disease wearables research
The consortium brings together research already underway by both
Scripps and Stanford. The Scripps Research Translational Institute
recently launched DETECT, an app-based research program that will
analyze participants’ wearable health data—including heart rate,
sleep and activity levels—to more quickly detect the emergence of
influenza, coronavirus and other fast-spreading viral
illnesses.
“From our previously published work, we know that data collected
from consumer wearables can significantly improve the prediction of
influenza-like illness,” said Dr. Eric Topol, Director and Founder,
Scripps Research Translational Institute. “We see an enormous
opportunity to enhance disease tracking for improved population
health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are pleased to join this
new consortium to bring value to the research community.”
The Stanford Healthcare Innovation lab launched the COVID-19
wearables study, led by Michael Snyder, PhD, Chair of the
Department of Genetics and Director of the Center for Genomics and
Personalized Medicine at the Stanford University School of
Medicine. The study aims to establish whether data collected from
wearables, including Fitbit devices, can be used to predict the
onset of an infectious disease such as COVID-19 before the actual
symptoms start. Researchers are collecting data such as heart rate,
skin temperature, and blood oxygen saturation, among others.
“COVID-19 has presented a daunting challenge to medical
researchers around the globe,” said Snyder. “Through this
consortium, we’ll coordinate efforts to improve our understanding
of how technology can serve to benefit human health, and continue
the pioneering work we’ve led for the past decade exploring the
promise of personalized medicine to predict and prevent
disease.”
Key elements of the new research consortium include:
- Research studies will run independently, but information will
be aggregated and broad data access supported to promote shared
learning and development
- Fitbit will support the research community by driving consumer
awareness of this important research and providing its users with
an easy onramp to join the effort
- Fitbit will donate wearables to both research groups to support
frontline healthcare workers
- Participation in the consortium is open to additional members
interested in advancing this type of research and supporting open
science
Fitbit users can easily access information on how to participate
in these studies through the new COVID-19 Resource tab within the
Fitbit mobile app, which also features tools and content to help
users stay healthy, safe, and happy at home. Users also can
virtually connect with a doctor directly from the Fitbit app via
telemedicine provider PlushCare and stay up to date on the latest
information with easy access to real-time updates from the World
Health Organization.
About Fitbit, Inc. (NYSE: FIT)
Fitbit helps people lead healthier, more active lives by
empowering them with data, inspiration and guidance to reach their
goals. Fitbit designs products and experiences that track and
provide motivation for everyday health and fitness. Fitbit’s
diverse line of innovative and popular products include Fitbit
Charge 4™, Fitbit Charge 3™, Fitbit Inspire HR™, Fitbit Inspire™
and Fitbit Ace 2™ activity trackers, as well as the Fitbit Ionic™
and Fitbit Versa™ family of smartwatches, Fitbit Flyer™ wireless
headphones, and Fitbit Aria family of smart scales. Fitbit products
are carried in approximately 39,000 retail stores and in 100+
countries around the globe. Powered by one of the world’s largest
databases of activity, exercise and sleep data and Fitbit’s leading
health and fitness social network, the Fitbit platform delivers
personalized experiences, insights and guidance through leading
software and interactive tools, including the Fitbit and Fitbit
Coach apps, and Fitbit OS for smartwatches. Fitbit’s paid
subscription service, Fitbit Premium, uses your unique data to
deliver actionable guidance and coaching in the Fitbit app to help
you reach your health and fitness goals. Fitbit Health Solutions
develops health and wellness solutions designed to help increase
engagement, improve health outcomes, and drive a positive return
for employers, health plans and health systems.
Fitbit and the Fitbit logo are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Fitbit, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
Additional Fitbit trademarks can be found
www.fitbit.com/legal/trademark-list. Third-party trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
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Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within
the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties
including, among other things, statements regarding the potential
of our products to predict the emergence of infectious diseases,
including but not limited to influenza or COVID-19. These
forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ
materially from actual results due to a variety of factors,
including the effects of the highly competitive market in which we
operate, including competition from much larger technology
companies; any inability to successfully develop and introduce new
products, features, and services or enhance existing products and
services; product liability issues, security breaches or other
defects; the impact of the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 virus;
and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our
most recent report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained
herein are based on information available to us as of the date
hereof and we do not assume any obligation to update these
statements as a result of new information or future events.
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Fitbit, Inc. Media: Jen Ralls 415-941-0037, PR@Fitbit.com
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