Browne Jacobson has supported an AI MedTech start-up to roll out innovative wearable technology that enables people to track their heart rate on the go. 

The UK and Ireland law firm advised Cambridge Heartwear on a wide range of legal issues during preparations for the commercial launch of HeartSense – described as the world’s first medical-grade, multi-channel wearable electrocardiogram (ECG).

Spun out of the University of Cambridge, the device delivers real-time ECG data straight to a user’s phone without the need for a prescription, while also allowing results to be shared directly with healthcare professionals to support faster assessment and earlier intervention.

Browne Jacobson’s team, led by Nick Smee, Partner in intellectual property, has worked with Cambridge Heartwear for the past five years on legal matters such as commercial contracts, data protection, intellectual property protection and procurement. Nick has been supported by Cat Driscoll (Partner, commercial) Thomas Gibby (Principal Associate, IT licensing) and Conor Moran (Senior Associate, data protection). 

Nick said: “Launching HeartSense on to the open market is a major milestone in Cambridge Heartwear’s journey and represents an exciting step forward in cardiac care. 

“Giving people the ability to monitor and better understand their heart health through wearable, medical grade ECG technology connected to their mobile phones is just the kind of innovation that will help to drive the transition from curative to preventative healthcare, as set out in the UK Government’s 10-Year Health Plan.

“We’re proud to have partnered with such a pioneering start-up that is not only at the cutting edge of its sector, but reflects our ambition to work with clients at the forefront of society’s biggest issues.”

Cambridge Heartwear, based at Cambridge Science Park, was born out of research led by Professor Dr Rameen Shakur into using wearable technology for improving the detection of irregular heart rhythms and respiratory problems.

HeartSense, which is manufactured in East Anglia and compliant to UKCA standard, is the world’s first ECG monitoring device designed to form around the chest and is currently the only leadless device of its kind on the market. The company also says it is the first time a medical diagnostic device has been made available to the public, rather than in clinical settings.  

Combining advanced AI technology with hospital-quality, multi-channel ECG monitoring in a discreet, everyday format, it has been designed for both women and men, with women specifically in mind so it can be worn comfortably and discreetly beneath a bra. It uses wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity.

Cambridge Heartwear believes the technology could transform access to cardiac monitoring and empower more people to better understand and manage their heart health, particularly women, whose cardiovascular symptoms can often go undetected through traditional pathways.

Continuous data monitoring aids clinicians in early detection of conditions such as stroke, atrial fibrillation and other types of cardiovascular disease. 

Professor Dr Rameen Shakur, Founder and Chairman of Cambridge Heartwear, said: “As healthcare continues to evolve, innovations such as HeartSense have the potential to support earlier diagnosis, improve patient monitoring and contribute to wider efforts to reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke.

“There are 7.8 million people in the UK living with cardiovascular disease, but referral for data analysis to diagnosis can currently take as long as four to six weeks. 

“Our breakthrough technology is designed to close this gap in cardiovascular care and place heart health in the hands of patients, who for the first time can continuously monitor their own heart rhythm outside the clinic across multiple channels. 

“We’re particularly pleased to have gone from concept to market in just four years – less than half the industry average of about 10 years – and to have secured 86 patents, which underlines the scale of the innovation involved. We’re grateful to have been able to call upon the fantastic support of Nick and the Browne Jacobson team throughout this journey.”