Medable is partnering with Withings Health Solutions to use the company's connected devices for decentralized clinical trials. 

The collaboration will allow Withings' tools for remote monitoring, like connected scales, blood pressure monitors and sleep-tracking mats, to collect patient data and integrate with Medable's clinical trial platform. 

"As the industry leader in plug-and-play connected sensor devices, Withings is the ideal partner for Medable as we continue driving for population representation in clinical trials," Dr. Michelle Longmire, cofounder and CEO of Medable, said in a statement. "Their devices are a critical part of a successful decentralized clinical trial – the third leg of the DCT stool – and we look forward to a long, successful partnership with Withings."

THE LARGER TREND

Decentralized clinical trials gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some experts argue adding virtual or remote components could improve diversity in clinical trials and curb dropout rates among participants. 

A recent survey of cancer patients and survivors published in JMIR found decentralized clinical trial tech could increase interest in participating in trials, and most respondents were willing to use interventions like wearables, medications delivered to the home and electronic informed consent.

Medable is one larger player in the space. The company announced it had raised $304 million in Series D funding in October. This year, it announced a partnership with CVS to grow clinical trial engagement and acquired LEO Innovation Lab's dermatology-focused platform Omhu A/S.

But there are a number of other companies offering decentralized clinical trial technology, including uMotif, Curebase, THREAD and Reify Health. 

Meanwhile, Withings Health Solutions, the healthcare industry-focused arm of the larger connected health tech company, recently rolled out a new remote patient monitoring program utilizing its devices.

Withings has had a busy year so far. It announced an upcoming smart scale in January, acquired French device-maker Impeto Medical and bought Berlin-based fitness and meal planning app 8fit.