BARDA strikes up partnership with Empatica to create COVID-19 early warning platform

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) initiated a partnership with digital health developer Empatica last week that focuses on developing a wearable system and algorithm that can detect early signs of COVID-19 infection in individuals.

That system, known as Aura, will utilize a wearable physiological monitor, Empatica’s E4 wristband device, to detect early warning signs of infection. Any data collected in an associated study will be paired with self-collected daily nasal swabs and saturated oxygen read-outs, along with self-reported symptoms.

Data from any test will then be used to hone and validate the early diagnostic algorithm for further use. Users will receive results through a mobile application and caregivers will also gain access to the results using a web dashboard.

Under the arrangement, BARDA will help pursue an Emergency Use Authorization for Aura from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The goal of the system is to create a means of detecting infection in individuals before the onset of symptoms. BARDA and Empatica will share data to achieve this and participate in a clinical study monitoring at-risk healthcare workers. For those detected early, the goal would then be for these patients to get into self-quarantine early, seek treatment, and pursue proper care.