Qualcomm develops medical-grade biometric patch

Technology company Qualcomm has developed a new wearable, medical-grade patch that lets healthcare professionals monitor a range of biometrics in patients.

The patch was designed to allow healthcare professionals to monitor patients with access to near real-time data. The patches monitor a range of health metrics such as clinical thermometry and motion.

Qualcomm is working alongside Benchmark Electronics, a manufacturer of integrated electronics. Benchmark Electronics will license the reference designs and serve as the device design and manufacturer of record with the FDA.

James Mault, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Qualcomm Life, said: “This wearable patch technology will be transformative in its ability to provide timely and accurate data to enable care providers to make better-informed decisions. Utilising Qualcomm's 30 years of leadership in inventing new connected "things," this low-power, cost-effective, single-use design will fuel new, scalable care models as we transition as an industry from episodic, reactive care to more continuous, proactive, intelligent care."

Qualcommm and Benchmark Electronics have entered into a Healthcare Product License Agreement which lets Benchmark license reference designs for the biometric patches.

Clinical validation is currently underway, and the patches are slated to be commercially available through Benchmark in 2018.

"We are thrilled to work with Qualcomm Life, a global leader in inventing revolutionary connected technologies, to create a new packaged sensor offering for health care companies that is economical, secure and user friendly," said Paul Tufano, CEO, Benchmark Electronics. "This collaboration aligns with our mission to deliver high-value solutions and innovative technology for our customers."