Apple (AAPL) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) will collaborate on a clinical study evaluating the impact of an ECG app with irregular heart rhythm notifications on outcomes in atrial fibrillation, the companies announced on Thursday.
APPLE, J&J TEAM UP FOR HEART HEALTH: Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit will collaborate with Apple on a clinical study evaluating the effect of an Apple Watch-based ECG app together with irregular heart rhythm notifications on outcomes in atrial fibrillation, or AF, patients, the companies announced. Specifically, the study will assess the impact of Apple Watch on the early detection and diagnosis of AF and the potential to improve outcomes, including the prevention of stroke. A multiyear U.S.-based research program will be launched later this year in people at least 65 years old, they added. Atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects 33 million people worldwide and can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure. The study will be based in the U.S., the companies said. “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, Apple's chief operating officer, said in a statement. He added that “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.” “We’re excited about the potential of common, wearable technology to aid in the earlier detection and prevention of a frequent cause of stroke,” said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Johnson & Johnson's Vice Chair of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer, added.
WHAT'S NOTABLE: Apple sees healthcare and wellness as a core part of its app, services, and wearables strategies and is moving further into the sector amid competition with tech companies like Amazon (AMZN) and Google (GOOG, GOOGL). In a 2017 interview with Fortune, Apple CEO Tim Cook commented that "We’re extremely interested in [healthcare and wellness] -- and yes, it is a business opportunity." There are numerous medical professionals working in and around Apple's various teams, say people familiar with the company's operations, "showing how serious it is about health tech," according to a CNBC report. The expanding medical expertise could help Apple show its credibility in developing confidence in health-care professionals, added the report. Previously, Apple named former Mango Health CEO Jason Oberfest to join its health team. A person familiar with the matter told CNBC that Oberfest "will look into opportunities for Apple in the medication adherence space, meaning helping people take their medicines on time." Oberfest's experience could also fit into Apple's existing initiatives, such as its Apple Watch, which is focused on behavior change, and is health software services, like HealthKit and ResearchKit.
PRICE ACTION: In early trading, shares of Apple are down 0.8% to $153.64, while J&J is flat at $128.01.
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