Diagnostics

Omron Healthcare on Monday unveiled breakthrough new innovations in personal heart health technology at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The market leader in at-home blood pressure monitors debuted two devices that represent category firsts: the Omron HeartGuide is the first wearable oscillometric wrist blood pressure monitor and the Omron Blood Pressure Monitor + EKG is the first single at-home device in the U.S. that measures blood pressure and EKG.

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.

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.

“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.

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.