Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Stanford University today jointly announced a research project with Stanford Medicine to initiate an innovative health solution based on Samsung’s obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) feature^[i] which has received De Novo — the first of its kind authorization — by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In recognition of World Health Day, this project underscores the importance of sleep in overall health by taking further steps in proactive care, beginning with a pioneering study.

Led by professor Robson Capasso as principal investigator and professor Clete Kushida as co-principal investigator, the joint study is designed to explore potential ways to further enhance Samsung’s Sleep Apnea feature to better support sleep health through timely interventions. Looking ahead, efforts will focus on going beyond detection by leveraging AI technology for daily monitoring to sleep apnea management, empowering users with the best possible sleep tools to improve their health.

Samsung’s Sleep Apnea feature on the Galaxy Watch^[ii]., which detects signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, previously received authorization by the US FDA following approval by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). With its latest approval by Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the feature will become available to users in Brazil in late April, increasing availability to 29 markets globally. The Sleep Apnea feature will continue to be expanded to more countries around the world, allowing more people to proactively spot symptoms earlier, which help prevent further long-term OSA health-related complications.

“The ethical, equitable and evidence-based use of technology, after its validation through research is crucial in developing new approaches to detection and management of sleep apnea and other serious sleep-related health conditions,” said Robson Capasso, MD, FAASM, Chief of Sleep Surgery, Professor of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, former Associate Dean of Research, Stanford University School of Medicine. “We are excited about this groundbreaking collaboration and proud to be initiating a study utilizing smartwatches, a friendly and commonly accepted wearable”

“This collaboration with Stanford Medicine will combine our deep technological expertise with Stanford’s leading research capabilities to unlock new innovation in preventive care,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics. “Together, we aim to move beyond screening to also provide more meaningful daily support that helps people better understand and manage their sleep health.”

^[i] The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone. This feature is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions in adult users 22 years and older, over a two-night monitoring period. It is intended for on demand use. This feature is not intended for users who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Users should not use this feature to replace traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified clinician. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders.

^[ii] Availability may vary by market, carrier, model, or a paired smartphone. Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models. The watch requires the Wear OS 5.0 version or later and must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 12.0 or later.

The IHRN feature is designed to detect irregular heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that can lead to severe health complications if left undiagnosed. By continuously monitoring and recording heart rhythms, this feature offers users a better understanding of their heart health. Alongside the IHRN, the Samsung Health Monitor app also allows Galaxy Watch users to monitor their blood pressure and perform on-demand electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, giving a comprehensive view of their cardiovascular health from the convenience of their wrist.

Following its approval by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in 2023, the IHRN feature has already been rolled out in various global markets. South Africa is one of the latest regions to benefit from this advancement.

In addition to the IHRN feature, the new Sleep Apnea detection tool offers users the ability to identify early signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a common but serious sleep disorder that often goes undiagnosed. According to the South African Society for Sleep and Health, 26% of adults in South Africa are affected by sleep apnea, a condition that can lead to severe health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Both features, integrated into the Samsung Health Monitor app, further enhance Galaxy Watch’s ability to support users in managing their overall health. These tools are part of Samsung’s larger initiative to provide consumers with the technology they need to easily manage and take control of their health and well-being. Initially available on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Watch7, Watch6 Classic, and Watch FE, the features will be expanded to previous editions in the near future.

As one of the leaders in wearable health technology, Samsung continues to bring cutting-edge features to its devices, making it easier for users to track and maintain their health and wellness with greater confidence.

Today, more than ever, people are defining their own wellness goals. From looking to stay fit or gaining more muscle mass, achieving better sleep, or caring for personal or family physical and mental health issues, everyone’s goals for better health look different. But one thing is common, the daily management and path towards these goals can be complicated and challenging, and most importantly, it is defined by you.

That’s why at Samsung, we’re working to empower more people to manage their health – and those they care for – their way, with a comprehensive, yet simplified approach to everyday wellness. Our vision is to improve the health of billions through connected care centred around the home by connecting devices, services and people – like only Samsung can.

Simplifying Wellness by Uniting Scattered Health Data

One of the biggest challenges the healthcare industry is facing today is fragmented data and how to bring it all together. Samsung is uniquely positioned to undertake this with one of the largest, most diverse connected device ecosystems. Now with Samsung Health, we’re connecting different devices and partner solutions within one cohesive platform, making it simpler to track health conditions on a Galaxy wearable.

By collecting data through advanced sensor technology, you’ll receive a deeper, more holistic understanding of your health with improved insights and integrated third-party health data. And as always, your personal data on the Galaxy devices remains secure thanks to the Samsung Knox security platform.

Turning Data into Meaningful Insights with the Transformative Power of AI

Like any good data model, how you leverage the information is key. In this new mobile era of AI, Samsung is focused on remaining at the forefront of maximising information. With the intelligence of AI, the most transformative technology of the century, users will receive more personalised insights and tailored health experiences through Samsung Health’s extensive global dataset from 64M monthly active users. And while every user’s wellness journey is unique, we believe they all start in the same way – by gaining a deeper understanding of their health through more comprehensive insights, spanning the longest time possible. This is why we’ve continued to build a portfolio of tools that help track their health conveniently, continuously and accurately.

The Future of Wellness is at Your Fingers

Samsung recognises that gaining a deep understanding of one’s personal health can result in significant long-term wellness benefits for our users. As we look to deliver on our vision of providing users with a comprehensive yet simplified approach to everyday wellness, we realise choice is a big factor. Obtaining accurate, detailed and advanced information on personal health conditions is the foundation of helping better track and action change.

Mobile devices will become the primary access point for AI, and through Samsung Galaxy – with our broad and comprehensive product portfolio, heritage of innovation, and philosophy of open collaboration – we’re well positioned to accelerate its global expansion.

Samsung will continue to enrich and expand Galaxy AI experiences across our product categories and collaborations to bring forward mobile experiences that defy imagination. Through the power of intelligence, partnerships and advanced technology, we’re helping more people better understand themselves and make the small changes that have a big impact, every day. With this, the power of Galaxy AI, and many more exciting health and wellness solutions and updates on the horizon, we can’t wait for you to see what we have in store.

¹ My Vitality Score will be made available on Samsung Health within 2024. Availability may vary by market, carrier, or wearable device. Features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.
² Booster Card will be made available on Samsung Health within 2024. Availability may vary by market, carrier or wearable device.