Developer of revolutionary non-invasive blood glucose monitor relocates to UK

20 November 2008

US company Sensys Medical, the developer of  groundbreaking non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology, has announced that it is relocating its world headquarters to the UK. The technology is set to revolutionise the way in which diabetics monitor and manage their condition.  

The firm’s decision to set up in the UK was prompted by the more open regulatory environment on offer and access to experts with an international market outlook. Sensys Medical Ltd (Sensys UK), anticipates hiring 20-30 individuals from within the UK over the coming months.

The UK is also seen by the company as a gateway to markets in Europe and Asia. Robert Curry, CEO of Sensys Medical, said: “Moving to the UK is an exciting step for us as a business focused on the global diabetes epidemic. We believe that the UK represents the best hub to build a world-class medical device company. It provides us with crucial access to markets such as China, where it’s estimated that during the 21st century almost a million new cases of diabetes will occur each year.   “Our plan is to be well established commercially in Europe, the US and the Middle East over the next few years, and from that base to launch into India and China.”  

The company was aided by UK Trade and Investment’s Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) in making the move. Clinical trials of the technology are due to begin towards the end of 2009, with CE mark approval due by April of 2010.

To accelerate the adoption of the breakthrough technology, Sensys UK has initiated an Adoption Review process with the NHS Technology Adoption Centre. The process will yield a roadmap for bringing the non-invasive device to UK diabetics.  It is hoped this will streamline the process for adoption in the UK to drive cost savings for the NHS.  This process is being facilitated by UK Trade and Investment.

Derek Goodwin, head of UKTI’s Global Entrepreneur Programme said:   “It’s great to see Sensys taking its first steps towards product launch in the UK with their painless home glucose monitor. The company’s commitment to the UK has allowed them to take advantage of the favourable conditions we can offer, as well as giving us the chance to assist them in developing their international roll-out strategy, using the UK as a springboard for global growth.”

The blood glucose monitoring device, which consists of two small 7-ounce components, is something that has been strived for by a number of Sensys’ competitors, but had not until now been achieved. The technology has been designed for use by diabetics in their own home and is set to have a significant impact on the lives of the nearly 2.5 million people with diabetes in the UK alone.

In order to properly manage their condition, sufferers of insulin-dependent diabetes should be testing their blood glucose levels between six and ten times a day. This would mean drawing a small amount of blood each time. The new non-invasive device is able to take an unlimited number of readings a day via near-infrared spectrometry technology, and will therefore allow patients to better manage their condition and stay healthier as a result.

Working with UK Trade and Investment, Sensys has set up its interim headquarters in Mayfair, London, with a permanent development centre, operations and global business headquarters being established in due course in one of the English regions.

Meetings have already taken place with economic development representatives from the various regions to accelerate its re-location and to access regionally focused resources. Sensys has also engaged with the UK Diabetes Research Network Coordinating Centre based at Imperial College in London. The Centre will provide a clinical trial site as part of the company’s pivotal clinical trial for regulatory approval by both the CE authorities and the US Food and Drug Administration.

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