Digital chronic condition management company One Drop on Wednesday launched its newest product aimed at cardiovascular disease prevention. 

The tool — the first to come out of a partnership between the digital health company and pharma giant Bayer — allows users to track blood pressure and weight in the app using connected devices, log meals, receive coaching from registered nurses, learn AI-enabled predictions on their glucose and blood pressure, and access educational content.

The cardiovascular disease prevention offering is now available to customers in One Drop’s employer program. 

"The new CVD prevention module comes from combining our respective expertise to jointly bridge the gap between healthcare and technology," Jeanne Kehren, CIO and head of digital and commercial innovation at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, said in a statement.

"This launch is an important milestone in our joint endeavor with One Drop to make integrated care a transformative solution for the patients and a key player in the healthcare industry."

WHY IT MATTERS

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women and people in most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The CDC estimates one person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease.

THE LARGER TREND

One Drop is positioning the new tool as a demonstration of its move into new therapeutic areas. The company initially focused solely on diabetes management. 

When the company announced its collaboration with Bayer and nearly $100 million in new funds in August 2020, One Drop said it would push into new areas like cardiology, oncology and women’s health. 

"The life-altering potential of our cardiovascular disease prevention module would not have been possible without the support and deep expertise from our strategic partner, Bayer. The CVD prevention module is one of many outputs to come, thanks to our productive partnership that will help countless people improve their lives," Rachel Yap Martens, EVP of commercial solutions and corporate strategy at One Drop, said in a statement.

Outside of the Bayer deal, One Drop also in 2020 acquired the assets, intellectual property and some staff of Sano Intelligence, the maker of a non-invasive connected continuous glucose monitor patch.

In 2019, the company stepped into in-person retail by selling its glucose monitoring products in Apple Stores and Walmart locations. 

Managing chronic conditions is a popular space for digital options. Last week, primary care provider One Medical announced it was launching its own chronic care product. Other players in the area include Sweetch, Glooko and Onduo.