Samsung, Alcedis Team Up to Use Galaxy Watch Biometrics in Clinical Research

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Samsung aims to expand the role of its wearable beyond consumer health tracking. The Korean firm has teamed up with Alcedis, a digital-first clinical research organization (CRO), to help researchers use biometric data from Galaxy Watch devices for clinical trials. This will support drug development and medical research.

Samsung wearables to play a big role in clinical trials and drug research

Wearable devices can continuously collect data on heart rate, sleep patterns, physical activity, and more. While these data have great potential for clinical research, researchers often struggle to translate them into evidence usable in scientific studies. Samsung said its research platform can address this challenge, maximizing efficiency in cost and time.

The platform combines the latest Galaxy Watch technology with clinically validated measurements. These include bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and electrodermal activity (EDA). The company also integrates Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) features, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection. Alcedis will oversee study execution and participant engagement.

Thanks to the BioActive sensor, Galaxy Watch devices can continuously accumulate physiological data from participants. This will allow researchers to better understand health conditions by monitoring people in real-world environments. On the research platform, researchers can set up studies quickly with greater control of biosensors. The goal is to bridge the gap between day-to-day health tracking and scientific research.

“The future of clinical research is increasingly collaborative and brings together technology, scientific expertise and research partners to generate a deeper understanding of human health,” said Jongmin Choi, Head of Health R&D Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, Samsung Electronics. “Through our collaboration with Alcedis, Samsung is unlocking new opportunities for biomarker development, digital endpoint innovation and evidence generation throughout the research lifecycle.”

Meanwhile, Samsung is reportedly gearing up to unveil its next-gen Galaxy Watch devices next month. The lineup may include the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2. They could bring several new health and fitness features to boost user experience.

Written by

Binay Konwar

Binay Konwar started his blogging journey in 2014 and has since written plenty of tech articles. At present, he is working as a News Writer at SammyGuru, covering everything about Samsung. He holds a Master's degree in Mathematics, but his real passion lies in tech and writing. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess and watching movies.

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