The Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance and Fitbit have partnered to focus on timely diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and improving early detection of stroke in high-risk individuals.
The new collaboration intends to provide educational content and required information for the people at high risk for Afib, following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the AFib detection software on Fitbit devices.
Fitbit co-founder and CEO James Park said: “At Fitbit, we’re focused on making health more accessible and, through our efforts with the BMS-Pfizer Alliance, we have the potential to support earlier detection of atrial fibrillation, a potentially asymptomatic condition that affects millions of Americans.
“With our continuous, 24/7 on-wrist health tracking capabilities, and our experience delivering personalized, engaging software and services, we believe we can develop content to help bridge the gaps that exist in atrial fibrillation detection, encouraging people to visit their doctor for a prompt diagnosis and potentially reduce their risk of stroke.”
Details of the Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance
US-based large-scale pharmaceutical companies Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer have joined forces to provide education and awareness about atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism.
The alliance is aimed at implementing research-driven approaches to address the unmet needs associated with stroke-related to non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
The alliance provides patients, physicians with understandable and actionable information of risk factors associated with stroke and other cardiovascular conditions, through collaborations with non-profit organisations.
Fitbit offers activity trackers, wireless-enabled wearable technology devices that measure heart rate, number of steps walked, steps climbed, quality of sleep, and other fitness-related metrics.
The portfolio of Fitbit products includes Fitbit Charge 3, Fitbit Inspire HR, Fitbit Inspire and Fitbit Ace 2 activity trackers, along with the Fitbit Ionic and Fitbit Versa family of smartwatches, Fitbit Flyer wireless headphones, and Fitbit Aria family of smart scales.
Bristol-Myers Squibb medical affairs head Joseph Eid said: “Too many people discover that they are suffering from atrial fibrillation only after experiencing a stroke. In fact, some studies suggest that this is true for more than 25 percent of people who have the condition.
“These efforts with Fitbit exemplify not only our unwavering commitment to addressing the evolving needs of patients with atrial fibrillation, but also our dedication to advancing care by embracing technology as a part of routine clinical practice.”
