sanofi-aventis announces blood glucose monitor for diabetes self management

21 Oct 2010

sanofi-aventis has announced the upcoming launch of the blood glucose monitoring (BGM) devices BGStar and iBGStar, developed  with its partner AgaMatrix.

BGStar and iBGStar have been designed by listening to the needs and desires of people with diabetes.

Both products aim to integrate convenient, accurate and easy-to-use blood glucose management with decision-making support in everyday lives of people with diabetes. They are planned to be made commercially available in the first markets in early 2011.

The ultra-compact iBGStar (right) can be plugged into an iPhone or iPod touch and displays results on a full-colour touchscreen. It can also be used separately for on-the-go testing. The specially-designed and simple iBGStar Diabetes Manager App will allow data to be easily managed and communicated to healthcare professionals.

The iBGStar and BGStar are based on the patented Dynamic Electrochemistry technology ensuring accurate and reliable blood glucose readings, and both devices do not require coding. BGStar has various feedback features including alerts, programmable reminder alarms and positive feedback to indicate what the results mean.

A large, backlit display allows results to be quickly and easily viewed, managed and discussed. In addition, the iBGStar product range offers users access to a full service telephone hotline and other support services so people with diabetes can feel more confident to take charge of their lives.

This is an important step towards sanofi-aventis’ vision of becoming the leader in global diabetes care by integrating innovative monitoring technology, therapeutic innovations, personalized services and support solutions.

“Our patient-centric approach means we truly understand the challenges faced by people with diabetes,” explained Pierre Chancel, Senior Vice-President, Global Diabetes Division, sanofi-aventis, speaking at the 46th Annual European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.

“This generation of innovative blood glucose monitors is key to making diabetes care fit into the everyday lives of people with diabetes and potentially improving their confidence in managing their condition. It is an important step toward our goal of delivering seamless connectivity between diagnostics, treatment and monitoring.”

“Blood glucose values recorded for immediate and future analysis, forming a complete record, are the basis of well-informed decision making,” stated Prof Thomas Haak, chief physician at the diabetes clinic Bad Mergentheim, Germany. “Specifically designed devices, which fit conveniently into a patient’s daily lifestyle, resulting in blood glucose self-monitoring at the recommended level, will improve diabetes management.”

The iBGStar and its diabetes manager app, and the BGStar data management software are pending CE Mark and FDA 510k review.

Challenges in managing blood glucose monitoring

For people with diabetes, blood glucose monitoring is essential for maintaining tight blood glucose control and preventing numerous diabetes-related complications that can compromise overall health and quality of life. However, factors such as reliability, accuracy, discretion and ease-of-use of blood glucose monitors continue to be issues of concern for a significant proportion of people with diabetes.