The coronavirus is imperiling drug studies. A virtual study of the Apple Watch could be positioned to thrive
A highly anticipated heart study of the Apple Watch is facing disruptions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with enrollment slowing down and both retail store restrictions and social distancing measures interfering with a novel plan for seniors to obtain the devices.
But, as the pandemic stretches on, the study could also become a test case for the opportunities of clinical research conducted remotely — both during the crisis and after it has passed.
The Heartline Study, launched by Apple and Johnson & Johnson, aims to follow seniors — some of whom may have an undetected heart problem known as atrial fibrillation — to see what happens when they wear an Apple Watch or receive health tips delivered via iPhone.
The study opened the last Tuesday in February. In its first week, it signed up about 5,000
