Healthcare Companies Announce Physiological Monitoring Breakthrough

VENTURA, CA /PRNewswire/ -- VivoMetrics Inc. and Empirical Technologies announce a collaborative breakthrough in physiological monitoring that will enable the addition of continuous noninvasive beat-by-beat monitoring of blood pressure to VivoMetrics' LifeShirt Preclinical System. The new feature is now being integrated into the system and will be available as an option to VivoMetrics' customers by the end of the second quarter of this year.

The availability of the noninvasive technology will enable blood pressure measurement in larger animals without discomfort and without the need to habituate the study animals to cuff inflation. "This device complements the 1 KHz electrocardiogram signal, the high-resolution respiratory data, and the activity and posture information already available with the LifeShirt Preclinical System. The availability of a noninvasive blood pressure measurement is an important step in enabling the advancement of noninvasive preclinical research," said Alex Derchak, PhD, Principal Scientist and Vice President, Clinical Development of VivoMetrics.

The noninvasive blood pressure device is a version of Empirical's "BPGuardian" product, which has been adapted for use on dogs, pigs, and nonhuman primates. It consists of a sensor worn on the wrist, arm or leg, controlled by a small electronics pack. David Gerdt, CEO of Empirical Technologies, says, "We have solved the problem of noninvasive blood pressure monitoring in humans. Our device is as accurate as the current clinical gold standard. We are excited to be working with VivoMetrics to customize our device for preclinical research. We have already reduced the form factor by 70%, increased the battery life to 30 hours, and have collected data on nonhuman primates that show our technology works as well in those species as in humans."

VivoMetrics also has exclusive distribution rights to Empirical's "BPGuardian" for life sciences research.

Since expanding its LifeShirt technology platform into the preclinical market in 2005, VivoMetrics continues to evolve its products to meet the needs of researchers. "Our customers expressed a need for a noninvasive blood pressure device, and we sought to deliver. This collaboration with Empirical Technologies represents a continued step forward in our mission to improve the science and economics of preclinical research while promoting animal welfare," said Paul Kennedy, President and Chief Executive Officer of VivoMetrics.

About the LifeShirt Preclinical System
The LifeShirt Preclinical System is the first noninvasive, real-time ambulatory monitoring system that continuously collects, records, and analyzes a broad range of life-sign parameters. Designed specifically for the needs of the preclinical market, the system includes a lightweight, machine-washable garment with embedded sensors that collect pulmonary, cardiac, posture, and activity signals from freely moving subjects for up to 24 hours. Data generated is wirelessly transmitted, and VivoSoftware allows researchers to monitor and analyze data of up to 16 subjects in real-time or to be stored for later analysis. The LifeShirt system has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration and EMEA approval (CE Mark).

About VivoMetrics
VivoMetrics, founded in 1999 and based in Ventura, CA, provides wearable, noninvasive products and services, using its proprietary LifeShirt technology, which continuously monitor vital, life-sign functions, such as heart rate, respiration rate, posture, activity, and skin temperature. When monitored and reviewed in relation to one another, these parameters provide the most complete, real-time picture of physiologic fitness available today. The company's offerings, based on patented, field-tested technologies, were initially focused on improving the speed, outcomes, and economics of pharmaceutical research. Since its inception, the company has further expanded its offerings for use by military, first responder, and biohazard personnel, as well as athletes and for clinical, academic, and corporate research.