Rune Labs StrivePD Parkinson's monitoring Apple Watch app receives FDA approval ^↺

Rune Labs has received FDA approval for its StrivePD app that allows you to monitor Parkinson's disease via an Apple Watch. The 510(k) clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the company to collect symptom data from tens of thousands of patients. This data can then be combined with other information, such as brain scans and self-reported symptoms, to help Rune Labs in its clinical trials for new Parkinson's therapeutics.

The StrivePD software allows Parkinson's patients to easily track and log their symptoms, though it cannot provide a complete picture. The watchOS app can record tremors and dyskinetic symptoms; Rune Labs then extract this data via Apple's Movement Disorder API. The company claims that it is the first to use this API commercially. You can also note in the app any improvements provided by your medication.

Another dataset is gathered via Medtronic's Percept PC Deep Brain Stimulation device; Medtronic and Rune Labs announced the partnership late last year. Rune Labs hopes that this data-driven approach will accelerate the process of finding the medication schedule that suits you. The company also hopes that the data will help speed up drug development.

This is not the first Apple Watch health feature to receive FDA approval this year. The organization cleared AFib History earlier in the month, a tool to track how often you have an irregular or very rapid heartbeat. This new feature is expected to be released as part of the watchOS 9 update.

Buy the Apple Watch Series 7 on Amazon