Vitality, Inc. and AT&T announced Tuesday that AT&T will provide the nationwide wireless network connection for Vitality GlowCaps, intelligent pill caps designed to help patients take medications regularly.

According to David Rose, CEO of Vitality, the AT&T-connected GlowCaps fit on standard prescription bottles and use light then sound reminders, which can be followed by a phone call or text message to remind patients to take their medication.

"For the first time in the healthcare industry, we can use minute-by-minute adherence data to motivate healthy behavior," Rose said.

The AT&T wireless network also enables Vitality to know when to refill a medication before a patient runs out, Rose said.

According to Rose, each time the pill bottle is opened adherence data is recorded and securely relayed to Vitality over the AT&T wireless network. The daily adherence information is used to compile periodic progress reports that are sent to patients, caregivers and doctors, and family members.

Vitality plans to use sophisticated pattern recognition to uncover the key motivational levers for each individual, and then tailor programs to activate these levers and break through whatever barriers exist to a patient adhering to their medication regiment.

"GlowCaps offers a very intuitive solution to an ongoing issue in the daily lives of many consumers," said Glenn Lurie, president, AT&T Emerging Devices and Resale.

"We look forward to providing the network connection for GlowCaps, delivering timely wireless data that will assist consumers in sticking with a prescription regimen, keeping them connected with doctors and family members, informed and on schedule," she said.