Rockley Photonics Holdings Limited announced that it completed an IRB-approved human study measuring blood pressure that utilized its non-invasive, cuffless biosensing device, currently under development. Based on its innovative laser-based technology, Rockley's powerful technique for monitoring blood pressure does not rely on subject demographics, unlike many current cuffless blood pressure devices. Continuous, accurate and convenient monitoring of blood pressure is expected to advance the early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, which is a risk factor for other serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

The current standard of blood pressure measurement may not provide the full picture of an individual's health because it is measured only periodically, usually at a medical appointment. Even daily blood pressure readings performed at home don't capture enough essential information because they do not provide frequent, trending information or nighttime changes in blood pressure, which provide better predictions of cardiovascular risk. Data collected in Rockley's proof of concept blood pressure study provides promising results.

The next phase is a 200-participant human study, beginning this fall. This study will utilize Rockley's next generation wearable devices and will include isometric and aerobic exercise-based protocols. An in-line arterial study with an accurate pressure monitoring catheter reference on 30 subjects is also planned for this fall.

In addition to medical settings, other potential applications for non-invasive blood pressure measurement are clinical trials, sports and athletic training and workers in physically and mentally-demanding professions like fire fighters and construction workers.