NIH Recognizes Various Tools for Improving Maternal Health Outcomes

Earlier this month, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a list of winners that were selected to advance in a prize competition to improve maternal outcomes known as Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Technology (RADx Tech) for Maternal Health Challenge.

According to the NIH, many maternal deaths occur during the postpartum period, defined as up to one year following delivery or the conclusion of a pregnancy. The NIH also noted that heart-related issues, infection, hemorrhage, blood clots, high blood pressure, and stroke are among the main causes of maternal deaths.

To direct a higher level of attention toward maternal health, the NIH began an $8 million prize competition that specifically aimed to gather and analyze various forms of home-based devices, wearables, and monitors.

Known as RADx Tech, the competition initially received over 80 that were reviewed based on scientific, technical, regulatory, clinical, and commercialization requirements through a strategy known as the “innovation funnel” approach.

Of these 80 submissions,15 passed the “viability assessment” of the challenge that resulted in a prize of $20,000.

Earlier in April, however, the NIH announced the ten units that moved past the next round known as “deep dive,” which resulted in a $75,000 award.

Although these winners all individually aim to treat factors related to maternal health, they vary in terms of form and goal.

For example, CardieX, Caretaker Medical, and PyrAmes all aim to treat cardiovascular health and blood pressure through a continuous monitor, a wireless wrist sensor, and a wearable device, respectively.

Known as CONNEQT Pulse, the CardieX monitor gathers data related to central and brachial blood pressures along with arterial health parameters. The Vitalstream wrist sensor from Caretaker Medical gathers information such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The Bosimi solution from PyrAmes contains a wearable device to monitor blood pressure.

Solutions created by HemoSonics and Washington University also aimed to detect postpartum hemorrhage. The Quantra System from HemoSonics consists of a point-of-care diagnostic device that aims to manage bleeding, and the Maternal aRMOR remote monitoring system from Washington University provides benefits such as early diagnosis and accessible interventions.

Furthermore, these ten teams will engage in the “technology assessment” phase. This process will consist of each group continuing their practices alongside support from the NIH to lessen barriers.

The six finalists that advance from this stage will receive a $300,000 interim milestone prize, followed by a testing and verification prize of $500,000.

Amid ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes and access to care, techniques involving prize competitions are common.

For example, in September 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the recipients of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program awards.

Considering the difficulties that many faced when accessing care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC created the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to fuel inspiration surrounding ongoing care efforts.

In September 2021, the FCC announced that over 70 organizations were set to receive federal funds for new connected health projects.