The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance for Withings’ BPM Pro 2, a cellular blood pressure monitor aimed at improving remote patient care for those with heart failure. Originally launched in October, the device will be available for purchase in the U.S. starting January 1.
Designed to support healthcare providers in managing hypertension, the BPM Pro 2 offers a more dynamic approach to blood pressure monitoring. Traditional methods relied on in-office readings, often taken just once a year, which Antoine Robiliard, head of Withings’ health solutions division, described as outdated and inefficient.
“Thankfully, the industry started leveraging home monitoring to better manage hypertension, but it came with challenges,” Robiliard said. “How do you entice the patient to take their measurement, and how do you actually get data that you can rely on?”
Key Features of the BPM Pro 2
The BPM Pro 2 addresses these challenges by enabling clinicians to program contextual questions directly into the device. As patients measure their blood pressure at home, the device asks targeted questions to gather data on medication adherence and symptoms.
“Care teams would love to know if patients are actually taking their medication,” Robiliard noted, highlighting that many patients fail to follow their medication regimen due to hypertension’s lack of visible symptoms. He added that half of the U.S. population with hypertension is either unaware of their condition or inconsistent with treatment.
The device’s ability to collect real-time data reduces the time care teams spend reaching out to patients, a vital feature amid ongoing workforce shortages. By automating patient check-ins, nurses can spend more time on direct care and behavior coaching rather than administrative tasks.
Enhanced Accuracy and User Reminders
Withings has also built features to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurements. The monitor detects anomalies and sends automated prompts, encouraging users to retake measurements when needed. It also reminds users to schedule follow-up appointments with their healthcare providers.
By enabling better remote monitoring, the BPM Pro 2 aims to make hypertension management more proactive, ensuring patients stay engaged with their care and supporting clinicians in managing larger patient loads more efficiently.
As reported by medcitynews, the device’s launch aligns with ongoing efforts in the medical technology sector to develop smart, connected devices that streamline care delivery and reduce the burden on healthcare providers.