Our Mission is to Drive Medical Innovations that Transform Healthcare, Improve Outcomes and Empower Lives: Adrian Ang, CEO of Aevice Health

Aevice Health is a Singapore-based MedTech spin-off from Nanyang Technological University, dedicated to tackling chronic respiratory disease, a major global healthcare challenge. The company develops non-invasive wearable devices that enable the remote and real-time detection of cardiopulmonary abnormalities, allowing patients to receive timely and targeted care from the comfort of their homes. 

In Conversation with Adrian Ang, Co-Founder & CEO of Aevice Health

What inspired you to establish Aevice Health?

Experiencing childhood asthma firsthand made me acutely aware of the challenges faced by patients and their families. There were nights when I'd wake up struggling to breathe, which was terrifying for both me and my parents. These personal experiences highlighted the need for better monitoring solutions, motivating me to co-found Aevice Health with the vision of empowering patients with chronic respiratory diseases to take control of their health.

Could you elaborate on the initial challenges you faced when starting the company?

Starting Aevice Health came with its set of challenges. Developing a medical device requires rigorous testing and compliance with regulatory standards, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Additionally, building a team that shared our vision and securing initial funding were hurdles we had to overcome. However, our commitment to addressing an unmet need in respiratory care kept us focused and driven.

How did your collaboration with Nanyang Technological University influence the development of your products?

Collaborating with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was instrumental in our journey. Working alongside my mentor, Associate Professor Ser Wee, we combined academic research with practical application. This partnership allowed us to leverage NTU's resources and expertise, leading to the development of our first product, AireSone Junior, a wearable device designed to monitor respiratory health in children.

What sets Aevice's devices apart from other respiratory monitoring solutions?

Our devices are designed with the patient in mind. They are non-invasive, user-friendly, and provide real-time data that can be accessed remotely. This means that patients can be monitored continuously without disrupting their daily lives, and healthcare providers can receive timely information to make informed decisions. Additionally, our proprietary algorithms enhance the accuracy of detecting respiratory anomalies, setting our solutions apart in the market.

Could you tell us more about the AeviceMD Monitoring System and its significance?

The AeviceMD Monitoring System is one of our flagship products. It's a smart wearable stethoscope that detects abnormal breath sounds and monitors vital signs like heart rate and respiratory rate. Receiving approval from the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore was a significant milestone for us, as it validated the safety and efficacy of our device. This approval enables us to offer a reliable solution for remote respiratory monitoring, which is especially crucial in managing chronic conditions. ​

How has securing FDA clearance impacted your company's growth and outreach?

Obtaining FDA clearance for the AeviceMD was a pivotal moment. It not only affirmed our commitment to meeting stringent regulatory standards but also opened doors to the U.S. market. This clearance allows us to expand our reach, offering our solutions to a broader patient population and collaborating with more healthcare providers internationally. ​

What role does artificial intelligence play in your devices?

Artificial intelligence is at the core of our technology. Our devices utilize AI algorithms to analyze respiratory sounds and vital signs, enabling the early detection of anomalies. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions, potentially preventing severe respiratory events and reducing hospital visits. By continuously learning from the data, our AI models become more accurate over time, enhancing patient care.​

How do you ensure the data collected by your devices is secure and private?

Patient data security and privacy are paramount to us. We employ robust encryption methods and adhere to international data protection regulations to safeguard the information collected by our devices. Regular audits and updates to our security protocols ensure that we maintain the highest standards, giving patients and healthcare providers confidence in our solutions.​

What feedback have you received from users and healthcare professionals?

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients appreciate the ease of use and the peace of mind that comes with continuous monitoring. Healthcare professionals value real-time data, which aids in making informed decisions and tailoring treatment plans. Such affirmations motivate us to continue refining our products to better serve the needs of both patients and clinicians.

Could you discuss your recent funding achievements and how they will support Aevice’s growth?

Securing additional investments from Denka Co., Ltd. and Elev8.vc has been instrumental in accelerating our growth. These funds are being utilized to enhance our product development, expand our team, and enter new markets. Collaborating with partners who share our vision allows us to innovate further and bring our respiratory monitoring solutions to more patients globally.

What challenges do you foresee in the medtech industry, and how is Aevice preparing to address them?

The medtech industry is rapidly evolving, with challenges such as regulatory complexities, technological advancements, and market competition. At Aevice Health, we prioritize staying abreast of regulatory changes, investing in research and development, and fostering collaborations with healthcare institutions. By being proactive and adaptable, we aim to navigate these challenges effectively and continue delivering value to our stakeholders.​

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the medtech field?

Passion and perseverance are crucial. The journey is challenging, with regulatory hurdles, funding needs, and technological complexities. However, staying committed to your vision, being receptive to feedback, and building a strong team can make the journey rewarding. Always keep the end-user in mind and strive to create solutions that genuinely address unmet needs.

How do you see the future of remote respiratory monitoring?

I believe remote respiratory monitoring will become an integral part of healthcare, especially with the increasing emphasis on telemedicine. Continuous, real-time monitoring can lead to early interventions, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs. As technology advances, I foresee more personalized and predictive healthcare solutions becoming available, empowering patients to manage their health proactively.

Adrian Ang, Co-Founder & CEO, Aevice Health

We employ robust encryption methods and adhere to international data protection regulations to safeguard the information collected by our devices.

Obtaining FDA clearance for the AeviceMD was a pivotal moment. It not only affirmed our commitment to meeting stringent regulatory standards but also opened doors to the U.S. market.