Eli Lilly’s Digital Health Innovation Hub utilizes cutting-edge technology to enhance clinical trials and medical research
SINGAPORE – Eli Lilly has unveiled its new $42 million Digital Health Innovation Hub, located at the Lilly Centre for Clinical Pharmacology in Buona Vista. This state-of-the-art facility, supported by Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), incorporates advanced technology to improve clinical trials and medical research. The hub features a range of innovative tools, including a smart toilet designed to track participants’ bathroom usage, removing the need for them to manually log their activities.
The smart toilet, equipped with pressure sensors, records how long a test subject is seated, providing researchers with valuable data on the effects of medications. This technology is just one example of the various smart sensors used at the hub to monitor clinical trial participants’ daily activities, such as sleep and bathroom use, which help gather data for medication trials.
Eli Lilly’s vice president of digital health, Dr. Jian Yang, emphasized that this hub is a pivotal step in the company’s research, as it is their only internal Phase 1 clinical trial unit globally. With 49 beds for medical trials, the facility allows for extended monitoring of participants, including overnight stays to track patterns like sleep.
The $42 million investment also supports the development of Magnol.AI, an artificial intelligence platform that processes data from wearables and sensors used in clinical trials. This AI model simplifies complex data, making it easier for researchers to analyze.
The hub’s focus extends beyond technology to improving research in three key areas: gait analysis, image recognition for predictive healthcare, and digital circadian rhythm studies. These areas are crucial for advancing personalized treatments and understanding how daily patterns, such as sleep, can be affected by medications.
Lilly’s centre is also exploring new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, with plans to increase its workforce by hiring data scientists and engineers. Additionally, the AI-driven approach aligns with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, fostering innovation and growth in healthcare.
