Google, Novartis halt work on glucose monitoring smart lens

By PharmaCompass

2018-11-22

Impressions: 169 Article

Alphabet’s life sciences division Verily and Novartis’ eye-care subsidiary Alcon are discontinuing their work on the glucose monitoring ‘smart lens’ device the two companies had been attempting to build since 2014. This information was given out through a post by Verily’s chief technical officer Brian Otis on the company’s website last week.

When the partnership was announced, the idea was to develop two types of contact lenses. One would be used by diabetic patients to continuously monitor their glucose levels by measuring the tear fluid in their eyes. The other would be for people with presbyopia, those who become farsighted with age.

While Verily’s work on the lens addressing farsightedness will continue, Otis’ post explained that they were unable to demonstrate enough consistency in their measurements showing a correlation between blood glucose concentrations and tear glucose.

“For example, we found that interference from biomolecules in tears resulted in challenges in obtaining accurate glucose readings from the small quantities of glucose in the tear film,” the post said. “In addition, our clinical studies have demonstrated challenges in achieving the steady state conditions necessary for reliable tear glucose readings.”

Alcon and Verily will also continue to work together on developing a smart intra-ocular lens to improve sight after cataract surgery.

“We’re looking forward to the next phase of development on our other two smart lens programs with Verily, where we are applying our significant technical learnings and achievements to prevalent conditions in ophthalmology,” an Alcon spokesman said.

The PharmaCompass Newsletter – Sign Up, Stay Ahead

Feedback, help us to improve. Click here

Image Credit : #Phisper Infographic by SCORR MARKETING & PharmaCompass is licensed under CC BY 2.0

“ The article is based on the information available in public and which the author believes to be true. The author is not disseminating any information, which the author believes or knows, is confidential or in conflict with the privacy of any person. The views expressed or information supplied through this article is mere opinion and observation of the author. The author does not intend to defame, insult or, cause loss or damage to anyone, in any manner, through this article.”

NEWS

DRUGS & DEVELOPMENTS

MARKET INTEL by PharmaCompass