Amazon’s Latest Move in Medtech Is a Big Deal

The Seattle, WA-based company is following a similar pattern to Google’s Verily when it comes down to making an impact in the healthcare industry.

Omar Ford

October 30, 2018

2 Min Read
Amazon’s Latest Move in Medtech Is a Big Deal
Pixabay

Amazon is continuing its deep dive into the healthcare market. This time the Seattle, WA-based company is teaming up with Arcadia, a consultancy group, to launch an exclusive brand of consumer-use medical devices for diabetes and hypertension management.

Dubbed, the Choice Brand, Amazon’s medical device offerings will start with a range of blood glucose monitors and blood pressure monitors both with supporting mobile apps which offer measurement tracking, data mobility, and reminders.

Amazon’s partner, Arcadia, will help develop the brand. Arcadia has extensive experience in brand development within the diabetes and cardiovascular markets and is widely known as the original architect of Walmart’s ReliOn brand as well as Abbott’s Freestyle line of diabetes devices.

“The Choice brand is all about accessible wellness, Bob Guest, CEO of Arcadia Group said in a release. “Consumers no longer need to drive to a store to stand in-line and purchase their medical devices and supplies. Now, in the privacy of their home, consumers can review, compare and purchase the products of their choice. No insurance is required. Therefore, customers have the freedom of choice. They will no longer be told by their insurance company what brand they can by. Choice is freedom.”

Amazon has been making significant moves in the healthcare industry this year. Back in January, Amazon along with Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan Chase caused quite the stir with news of a new venture aimed at providing their U.S. employees with "simplified, high-quality, and transparent healthcare at a reasonable cost." And in March, Amazon hired Taha Kass-Hout, MD, a former FDA chief health informatics officer, to serve in a business development role focusing on healthcare projects.

There has been speculation on how Amazon can shake up or impact the healthcare industry. In 2015 analysts said that Amazon had the potential to disrupt healthcare.

Amazon’s move into medtech and healthcare is similar to Google’s move into the industry in 2014. The Mountain View, CA-based company eventually restructured and its life sciences division, now called Verily, continued to penetrate the healthcare market at a rapid rate through a series of collaborations.

Also, both Amazon and Google’s Verily have been targeting diabetes market – which is considered an easy entry point into the healthcare market.

About the Author

Omar Ford

Omar Ford is a veteran reporter in the field of medical technology and healthcare journalism. As Editor-in-Chief of MD+DI (Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry), a leading publication in the industry, Ford has established himself as an authoritative voice and a trusted source of information.

Ford, who has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of South Carolina, has dedicated his career to reporting on the latest advancements and trends in the medical device and diagnostic sector.

During his tenure at MD+DI, Ford has covered a wide range of topics, including emerging medical technologies, regulatory developments, market trends, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He has interviewed influential leaders and key opinion leaders in the field, providing readers with valuable perspectives and expert analysis.

 

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