Google’s Verily Shuts Down Medical Device Unit, Shifts Focus to Data and AI

Google parent Alphabet's life sciences and healthcare affiliate Verily is undergoing a significant reorganization these days. Yes, under this, the company has decided to lay off employees and shut down its medical device program entirely. The CEO of the company, Stephen Gillett, has stated in an internal memo that he shared with the employees that the decision has been taken to concentrate the resources on the company's priorities, that is, data and AI.

The CEO of the company Gillett, has penned in the memo that I am writing this email to convey some bad news. The path forward requires difficult choices. The team working on the device program has dedicated decades of experience and hard work. We have made innovations such as the Dexcom G7 glucose monitor, retinal imaging tool,s and clinical study wearables, which have played an important role in advancing healthcare technology.

The company has confirmed that it will no longer manufacture medical devices and do new innovation work, but will continue to support existing products and ongoing clinical trials. Which includes Dexcom G7 glucose monitor, retinal imaging tools and study devices.

Verily has not yet disclosed how many employees have been fired. A company spokesperson said that this step has been taken to accelerate the path to business success and to properly utilize resources. However, the company's CEO Gillet has said that the company will now strengthen healthcare through its mission i.e. data and AI and will focus more on it.