Hyfe AI is combining its cough detection software with ActiGraph’s wearable technology to help collect cough data in clinical trials.

Cough is one of the most commonly presented symptoms and is a key indicator of underlying conditions such as respiratory diseases and heart failure. Most of the current approaches that assimilate cough data in clinical trials are via bulky recording devices.

“The existing methods of assessing cough in clinical trials are antiquated, and through this collaboration, we share a unified vision of revolutionising this space with advanced digital measures,” said Joe Brew, co-founder, and CEO of Hyfe.

ActiGraph has developed a wireless device with sensor technology able to measure physiological parameters such as heart rate and variability, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and skin temperature in investigational use.

The device, which is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared for measuring activity, sleep, and mobility, will now house Hyfe’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered acoustic technology. The software – which the company says has not been cleared by the FDA – will help remote monitoring of the symptom in research by enabling the device to detect the frequency and pattern of coughing. The partnership could offer sponsors with cough digital endpoints for clinical research in conditions including chronic cough, asthma, and heart failure.

“We are continuously looking for ways to advance the use of digital health technologies in clinical trials, and we are pleased to partner with the team at Hyfe to capture meaningful information about a key indicator of a patient's health: cough,” said Jeremy Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer of ActiGraph.

“We see this as an incredibly valuable partnership that will give the clinical trial and pharmaceutical industries more comprehensive data than they’ve ever had before.”