Daewoong Pharmaceutical expands AI ECG testing solution in health checkup centers

Daewoong Pharmaceutical said it has signed a supply contract with the Korea Association of Health Promotion for its wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) patch, mobiCARE.

mobiCARE, developed by digital healthcare company Seers, is exceptionally lightweight at just 19 grams, easy to attach and remove, and does not interfere with daily activities such as showering or exercising.

Unlike traditional ECG tests that measure heart activity for about 10 seconds during a health checkup, the device can monitor ECG for up to nine days, significantly aiding in the detection of hidden heart conditions.

This agreement will enable the provision of AI ECG testing solutions at 17 KAHP health screening centers.

The AI ECG test is a medical solution that combines wearable devices with AI technology to detect heart diseases, such as arrhythmias. This technology aids in identifying previously undetected heart conditions in patients undergoing health screenings.

With this contract, mobiCARE has expanded its reach beyond the outpatient markets to include the health screening sector.

Before the official introduction, Daewoong Pharmaceutical and KAHP verified the efficacy of AI ECG tests using mobiCARE. In preliminary tests conducted on 71 individuals, arrhythmias were detected in about 15 percent of the participants, proving the effectiveness of early heart disease diagnosis.

The AI ECG tests at KAHP will be available in two options -- same-day testing and a 24-hour test, depending on the patient's preference. The 24-hour test includes a home collection service to minimize inconvenience for patients returning the device after wearing it home from the screening center.

"As the elderly population increases and dietary habits become more westernized, the number of arrhythmia patients is also rising," KAHP President Kim In-one said. "By combining 12-lead ECG and continuous ECG, we aim to increase the detection rate of not only heart diseases but also arrhythmia, thereby improving treatment efficiency through early detection."

Daewoong CO Lee Chang-jae also said, "MobiCare is garnering attention as a next-generation ECG testing solution that enhances accuracy, convenience, and cost-effectiveness by addressing the shortcomings of existing devices like Holter monitors."

Through this supply contract, the company aims to popularize AI ECG testing solutions, enhance early diagnosis, and improve the treatment efficiency of related diseases, ultimately contributing to public health, Lee added.