Diagnostics

Garmin is focusing on further developing its activity trackers for children with the introduction of Disney licenses, including Star Wars and Marvel, for its Vívofit Jr. In addition to tracking steps, sleep and kids’ activity on the way to their recommended 60-minute daily play goal, the Vívofit Jr. comes with a free, parent-controlled mobile app. The Vívofit Jr.

Walgreens is using its popular app to help consumers connect to many brands of fitness trackers outside of the store. The retailer, which is marketing Striiv, its own branded activity tracker, allows members of the company’s Balance Rewards program to also connect through 40 different devices and 27 apps, according to the Walgreen’s website.

Are retail pharmacies late to the party when it comes to the health wearables market?

The booming category, which includes such devices as activity trackers and chronic pain relief devices, offers mass retailers — especially those operating a pharmacy — an opportunity to build sales and profits, not to mention a stronger relationship with consumers seeking answers. But, thus far, it appears that other retailers, as well as the digital marketplace, have outpaced retail pharmacy operators in this category.

Mountain View, Calif.-based AliveCor on Thursday announced FDA clearance of KardiaBand in the U.S., allowing Apple Watch users to discreetly capture their EKG anytime, anywhere in order to quickly detect normal sinus heart rhythms and atrial fibrillation, the most common heart arrhythmia.

The first FDA-cleared medical device accessory for Apple Watch, KardiaBand can record an EKG in 30 seconds with just a touch of its integrated sensor. Results from the Kardia App are displayed on the face of Apple Watch.

“Shark Tank,” the hit ABC television series, is paying off for EverlyWell, an at-home health testing company. EverlyWell founder and CEO Julia Cheek accepted a $1 million line of credit in exchange for 5% equity on the show that aired Sunday, Nov. 26. It is the largest valuation deal for a solo female entrepreneur in “Shark Tank” history.

OraSure Technologies on Thursday announced several new HIV testing-related initiatives in recognition of World AIDS Day.  OraSure is working with The AIDS Institute to launch a grant program to encourage the development of HIV self testing programs and collaborating with both The AIDS Institute and Walgreens, based in Deerfield, Ill., to promote rapid HIV testing in cities across the U.S.

With the increasing trend of self-management and the rising awareness around the diabetes disease state within developing countries, blood glucose meters can be utilized to aid in adjustment of therapeutic regimen in response to blood glucose values and to help patients adjust their dietary intake, physical activity and insulin doses to improve glycaemic control on a regular basis.

This and several other factors are covered in the latest Research and Marekts report focused on diabetes care devices.