Roche launches the cobas pulse system, an industry first professional blood glucose management solution with mobile digital health capabilities to improve patient care

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Roche announced the launch of the cobas® pulse system in select countries accepting the CE Mark. The cobas® pulse system marks Roche Diagnostics’ newest generation of connected point of care solutions for professional blood glucose management. As an industry first, the cobas® pulse system combines the form factor of a high-performance blood glucose meter with simple usability and expanded digital capabilities similar to that of a smartphone.

Glucose is among the most important biomarkers to assess patient health and predict, diagnose and manage metabolic disorders¹. In particular, the management of blood glucose in patients is critical to preventing acute and chronic complications that may lead to increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs2, 4, 5, 6. Against the backdrop of a rising epidemic of diabetes3 and other non-communicable diseases, the need to regularly perform this critical intervention adds to an ever-growing list of responsibilities facing stretched healthcare systems and professionals.

“Frontline health workers are under increasing pressure to not only accurately diagnose patients, but also make appropriate decisions on all aspects of disease management and patient care,” says Thomas Schinecker, CEO, Roche Diagnostics. “Our commitment is to equip them with high-performance innovations that represent a real step change in their working lives. We are pleased to introduce a truly novel solution that puts actionable clinical insights, and a near limitless range of digital capabilities for patient care, in the palms of their hands.”

Designed for professional use in a range of care settings where timely and informed clinical decisions are needed, the cobas® pulse system introduces several advancements that aim to drastically simplify workflows for busy nurses and doctors and improve their ability to deliver care at the bedside.

For the first time in a point of care device, the cobas® pulse system is equipped with digital health applications based on the Android operating system that perform a range of clinically valuable functions – from clinical decision support to the measurement of vital signs and digital biomarkers. The Roche-selected apps are enabled by a digital platform called Smart, the newest module of the cobas® infinity edge suite of software solutions. The pairing of the cobas® pulse system with cobas® infinity edge smart marks the first integrated solution from Roche Diagnostics to leverage a pioneering business-to-business partnership model that connects developers of digital health solutions with healthcare professionals as customers. At the time of launch, Roche has already secured partnerships with several innovative companies and start-ups in the field (e.g. S4DX, imito, decide (GlucoTab), Glytec, CardioSignal, and SteadySense (SteadyTemp)).

About cobas® infinity edge suite of solutions
The Roche software solution suite called cobas® infinity edge includes three modules: unite, scribe, and smart. Used together, the solution facilitates the ability of labs and hospitals to manage patient-testing devices (Roche and non-Roche) that measure clinical health parameters anytime, anywhere. cobas® infinity edge also enables the deployment of third party applications into point of care devices. With this digital ecosystem approach, lab and hospital administrators can also better govern, update and manage use of near-patient testing devices – even remotely. The platform uses industry standard security technologies and processes to connect to electronic medical record systems (EMRs) as well as enabling remote installations, service and maintenance of devices outside the lab/hospital premises (e.g., clinics or pharmacies). This solution will bring more diagnostic capabilities – safely and securely – beyond the lab walls – closer to physicians and nurses at the points where clinical decisions are being made.

About Roche in digital healthcare
With growing investments in digital capabilities, Roche is building on its expertise in science, medicine and technology to increasingly leverage data analytic tools and novel digital technologies to transform the way healthcare is delivered and managed for each patient. Our data-driven digital solutions empower labs, healthcare providers and patients to make informed, insights-based decisions across the entire care continuum – reducing costs to society and improving patient health outcomes in the process.

About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, as well as growing capabilities in the area of data-driven medical insights help Roche deliver truly personalised healthcare. Roche is working with partners across the healthcare sector to provide the best care for each person.

Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. In recent years, the company has invested in genomic profiling and real-world data partnerships and has become an industry-leading partner for medical insights.