
Evidation Receives BARDA Contract to Use Wearable Devices in Flu Monitoring
Evidation has announced a new contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contract is geared toward advancing the “2023 Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Detect & Protect Studies,” a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the early detection of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) using Evidation’s consumer-grade wearable devices.
The Detect & Protect Studies, scheduled to launch during the 2023-24 cold and flu season, will leverage machine learning models and data obtained from 25,000 wearable devices to identify respiratory viral infections. The project will integrate various data types, including serial PCR testing, with Evidation’s health measurement and engagement platform to pioneer next-generation models for the earlier and pre-symptomatic detection of COVID-19, influenza A and B, as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Furthermore, the BARDA contract will support research focused on expanding the impact of Evidation’s FluSmart program. FluSmart combines machine learning predictions with behavioral interventions, education, and personalized insights to enable individuals to gain a better understanding of their susceptibility to flu-like illnesses. This proactive approach empowers people to take early action, thereby reducing transmission and the severity of these diseases.
This marks Evidation’s third collaboration with BARDA, on advancing the tools and understanding of respiratory infections. Their earlier projects delved into flu monitoring with consumer wearables and explored the potential of machine learning models and wearable data for the early detection of COVID-19 symptoms.
The CEO of Evidation, Christine Lemke, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion of their models and their commitment to encouraging timely and appropriate actions for individuals during critical health situations.