LMD’s V-Sensor is currently being readied for submission to the FDA and European Regulators, and once it has been approved, smartphone makers are expected to begin integrating it into next-generation handsets from next year. The size of the Indian population means that the device, once integrated, could play a major part in reducing the number of deaths, since the price, power consumption and size of the sensor means that there is no penalty for users, either in cost or performance. Effectively, they get a medically accurate, easy-to-use blood pressure monitor free with their next smartphone upgrade.
The new Medical Devices Rules (2017) which come into force with effect from January 31st 2018 categorize the V-Sensor in Class B and state: ‘Where a free sale certificate has already been issued in respect of any medical device by the national regulatory authority or other competent authority…a license shall be granted…without carrying out clinical investigation.’ Crucially, the smartphone itself does not become the regulated medical device; LMD’s V-sensor is the regulated element with the handset classified as an accessory.
In order to tackle the growing and deadly problem of hypertension, everyone must have access to an effective, simple and cheap method of monitoring their blood pressure. As Dr Narsingh Veerma, Secretary General of the Indian Society for Hypertension, said: “In hypertension the most important, the vital thing, is the measurement”. Smartphone ownership is becoming ubiquitous, even in poor communities, so a smartphone-integrated technology that can deliver accurate measurement is likely to prove extremely efficacious.
Added LMD CEO, Mark-Eric Jones: “India has the fastest growing market for smartphones in the world, so we sincerely hope that our V-Sensor and app can make a significant contribution to reducing the number of avoidable deaths in India, as well as in other countries.”
About Leman Micro Devices
Founded in 2010, Leman Micro Devices (LMD) is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, in the heart of the “Health Valley” and close to EPFL University and major phone sensor companies. Funded by Business Angels, Venture Capital, and two major players in the smartphone sector, the ISO 13485 certified company’s first product is a unique sensor and software combination that measures blood pressure and other vital signs to medical accuracy using a smartphone. LMD’s V-Sensor health sensor and app is expected to garner international regulatory body approval this year.