Regulatory approval paves the way for consumer sales of Kenek O2™ Pulse Oximeter
that transforms smartphones and other mobile devices into medical monitors
VANCOUVER, Feb. 25, 2015 /CNW/ - LionsGate Technologies, Inc. (LGTmedical), a privately-held medical device company, announced today that its proprietary Kenek O2™ pulse oximeter, which enables people to monitor their blood oxygen level (SpO2) and heart rate through their smartphone and other mobile devices, has been cleared by Health Canada for sale to consumers.
The Kenek O2 pulse oximeter is classified as a Health Canada Class II medical device suitable for personal and clinical use. Developed in Canada by physician specialists and medical device engineers, the Kenek O2 technology consists of an app and a sensor that turns a smartphone or tablet into a clinically accurate medical device so people can spot-check their blood oxygen level and heart rate, two of the most important vital signs. Most people aren't familiar with a pulse oximeter but that is rapidly changing as awareness of what is often called "the fifth vital sign" (blood oxygen saturation) increases, and mobile pulse oximeters become more affordable.
The Kenek O2 pulse oximeter uses a clinical-grade fingertip sensor that shines a light through tissue to precisely measure the pulse rate and blood oxygen level of a person who may have a chronic respiratory condition or acute illness such as influenza (flu) or pneumonia. The sensor can be connected to any iOS-compatible mobile device through the universal audio jack and driven directly by an app that displays the easy-to-read vital signs data on the smartphone or tablet screen.
The company also announced today that it was granted a U.S. patent for its pulse oximetry technology based on the Kenek Core™ proprietary audio-based platform.
"The availability of accurate, real-time physiological information can serve as an early-warning system for more serious health problems," said Dr. Mark Ansermino, an anesthesiologist at BC Children's Hospital and Chief Medical Officer of LGTmedical. "For many people, the Kenek O2 pulse oximeter could alert them to the need to call their doctor or go to the emergency room. The ability to monitor blood oxygen and heart rate outside of the clinical setting is particularly useful for people in rural or remote areas. Critical medical data from Kenek O2 could be sent to physicians in clinics or hospitals that are thousands of kilometres away."
One in five Canadians has lung disease, according to the Canadian Lung Association. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the number one cause of hospitalization in Canada. Asthma affects at least 13 percent of Canadian children and lung cancer kills more people than breast, ovarian, colon and prostate cancer combined. The three major chronic lung diseases (lung cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) cost Canada's economy $12 billion in 2010 including $3.4 billion in direct healthcare costs (drugs, hospitals, physicians) and $8.6 billion in indirect costs (such as premature death and long-term disability) according to the Conference Board of Canada.
The Kenek O2 pulse oximeter measures, records, and tracks heart rate and SpO2 vital signs:
Most low-cost, over-the-counter pulse oximeters on the market today do not meet clinical standards and cannot be connected to a smartphone. The Kenek O2 pulse oximeter has been independently validated to be accurate and safe.
"Because the Kenek O2 sensor is driven entirely by the free app in the smartphone or tablet, no batteries, processors, or wireless configuration are required. This means the reported vital signs are more reliable than competing models using wireless technology, many of which cost $200 to $400," said Tom Walker, President and CEO of LGTmedical.
The Kenek O2 pulse oximeter is available for sale in Canada without a prescription for $80. More information is available at www.lgtmedical.com/keneko2 The free Kenek O2 app is available for supported iOS mobile devices.
The global mobile health (mHealth) market is projected to reach U.S. $23 billion by 2017, according to a 2012 study by Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Buoyed by the increasing emphasis on wellness and the explosive growth of smartphones and mobile devices, North America (U.S. and Canada) is expected to account for 28 percent of this market.
About LionsGate Technologies, Inc. (LGTmedical)
LGTmedical has leveraged the synergies of award-winning interdisciplinary research at BC Children's Hospital, the Child & Family Research Institute, and the University of British Columbia's Electrical and Computer Engineering in Medicine group; support from foundations led by Grand Challenges Canada (funded by the Government of Canada); and business expertise to establish the innovative core technologies, infrastructure, and partnerships and become a leading mHealth company. LGTmedical is focused on product and channel development to achieve the most scalable and clinically impactful mobile health solutions. The company is ISO 13485:2003 certified. More information is available at www.lgtmedical.com
Kenek, Kenek O2, Kenek Edge, and Kenek Core are trademarks of LionsGate Technologies, Inc.
SOURCE LionsGate Technologies, Inc. (LGTmedical)
Video with caption: "Video: LGTmedical's Kenek O2 pulse oximeter turns a smartphone or tablet into a clinically accurate medical device so people can spot-check their blood oxygen level (SpO2) and heart rate, two of the most important vital signs.". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9T28dGmCGk
Image with caption: "LGTmedical's Kenek O2 pulse oximeter, which enables people to monitor their blood oxygen level (SpO2) and heart rate through their smartphone and other mobile devices, has been cleared by Health Canada. (CNW Group/LionsGate Technologies, Inc. (LGTmedical))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150225_C4219_PHOTO_EN_12507.jpg
Martin Livingston, Living Communications Inc., Direct: 604.657.8234, [email protected]; Pamela Clarke, Director, Marketing and Communications, LGTmedical, Direct: 604.983.8627, [email protected]
Share this article