Medical researchers and developers can now access the Apple ResearchKit's software framework.
The software database was introduced in March, and five clinical trial apps were introduced using ResearchKit shortly thereafter, including studies on asthma, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Parkinson's disease. More than 60,000 iPhone users enrolled in these trials in their first weeks.
Now, all researchers can use ResearchKit to develop their own apps and contribute new research models using the software's open source framework. Developers can build new modules using the open source code and contribute them to ResearchKit as well.
"We are delighted and encouraged by the response to ResearchKit from the medical and research community and the participants contributing to medical research. Studies that historically attracted a few hundred participants are now attracting participants in the tens of thousands," said Jeff Williams, Apple's senior vice president of operations. "Medical researchers all over the world are actively exploring how ResearchKit can help them study even more diseases, and we believe the impact on global understanding of health and wellness will be profound."
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