In a new collaboration to advance the understanding of long COVID and chronic Lyme disease, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has partnered with Movano Health for the MAESTRO study. This initiative will utilize the health monitoring capabilities of Movano’s Evie Ring.
The Evie Ring is a smart ring designed with a focus on women’s health. It offers health and fitness monitoring features specifically tailored for women, based on research into physiological differences between men and women. The ring monitors various health metrics such as sleep stages, heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiration rate, skin temperature trends, steps, active minutes, and calorie burn.
The MAESTRO study aims to recruit 300 adults aged 18-35, divided into four cohorts: those with acute Lyme disease, chronic Lyme disease, long COVID, and a control group. This study addresses the needs of the estimated 40 million Americans affected by long COVID and the over 600,000 annual cases of Lyme disease, 10-15% of which develop into chronic Lyme disease. The research is expected to provide essential insights into the long-term health impacts of these conditions.
John Mastrototaro, CEO of Movano Health, commented on the partnership, stating, “This collaboration signals a vote of confidence from one of the world’s preeminent research institutions in Movano’s ability to provide continuous, reliable, and convenient access to a large data set, ushering in a new era of personalized patient care and scientific discovery. Our ring solution, designed to meet stringent HIPAA and cybersecurity standards, offers an innovative alternative to existing health monitoring devices – a game-changing solution that is long overdue.”
Dr. Michal Caspi Tal, Associate Scientific Director at the MIT Center for Gynepathology Research and head of the Tal Research Group, emphasized the value of the Evie Ring in their research. “We’re excited to incorporate the Evie Ring into our clinical study to evaluate the progression of long COVID and chronic Lyme disease and paint a fuller picture of why some people bounce back from a mild infection while others go on to endure prolonged suffering,” she said. “The breadth of longitudinal information related to vital signs and wellness provided by the ring will be instrumental in enhancing our understanding of these debilitating conditions.”
The Tal Research Group, led by Dr. Michal Caspi Tal, focuses on addressing knowledge gaps in chronic illness research. The group specializes in studying chronic Lyme disease, acute Lyme disease, long COVID, and ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). Using advanced technologies, the group aims to improve diagnostics, treatments, and understanding of these complex conditions.
