Fitbit is ramping up its efforts to strike deals with pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare players, such as payers, insurers and medical device firms. 

To assist its push the fitness wearables company has appointed new VP of digital health Adam Pellegrini, who will also be tasked with helping Fitbit connect its products into clinical settings. 

Wearables are being investigated by pharma companies such as UCB's Parkinson's trial and work by GlaxoSmithKline in neurodegenerative condition ALS, and Fitbit is keen to tap into this interest.

Pellgerini will join Fitbit on September 6 from Walgreens Boots Alliance, where his responsibilities as digital health VP included advancing the company's integration with wearables. 

Fitbit said he will also work on creating “better clinical health outcomes” and increasing its participation in disease management, insurance, and wellness programmes.

Pellegrini said: “I'm a passionate believer in the power of digital health technology to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and reach of our healthcare system. I see a tremendous opportunity for healthcare providers, health plans and pharmaceutical companies to foster a more proactive, consumer-centric approach to healthcare using Fitbit's products, software, services and extraordinary health brand.”

Pellegrini brings more than 20 years of experience from a number of healthcare sectors, including health technology and insurance. 

During his time at Walgreens, his team launched the company's first integration of wearables - including Fitbit devices - with its Balance Rewards programme, which rewards customers for making healthy choices.

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