Ascensia announces strategic partnership with Sava for innovative microsensor technology

A new wearable microsensor designed to make glucose monitoring less invasive could be available in Europe within the next two years, following a partnership between Ascensia Diabetes Care and Sava Technologies.

The two companies have announced an agreement to support the development and introduction of the technology, which is being designed to continuously measure glucose levels just beneath the skin.

Sava Technologies, a health technology startup, is developing the microsensor as a potential alternative to existing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, with the aim of offering people with diabetes a less invasive monitoring experience.

The technology is also being developed to measure other biomarkers and molecules, potentially allowing users to gain a broader understanding of their health in the future.

Sava is planning a pivotal clinical study of its CGM technology this year, with the company aiming to secure CE approval and launch the device within the next 18 to 24 months.

The proposed device is being developed for non-adjunctive use, allowing people with diabetes to make insulin dosing decisions using its readings without routinely needing to confirm them with a finger-prick blood glucose test.

However, the technology remains under development and will need to demonstrate its safety and effectiveness through clinical studies before it can be approved for use.

Under the partnership, Ascensia will become the exclusive commercialisation and distribution partner for Sava’s microsensor technology, initially in Europe.

Subject to regulatory approval, the companies intend to make the device available through retail channels and existing reimbursement arrangements.

Ascensia, which is part of PHC Group, has also made a strategic equity investment in Sava after leading the company’s Series B funding round.

Peter Bodlund, Chief Executive Officer of Ascensia, said: “Microsensors have the potential to transform the day-to-day monitoring experience for people with diabetes. By bringing together Sava’s innovative technology with Ascensia’s deep diabetes expertise, strong reputation and commercial capabilities, we have an opportunity to address important unmet needs in diabetes care. This is an exciting step for Ascensia as we continue to broaden our portfolio and pursue our ambition to simplify and improve life for people with diabetes.”

While glucose monitoring will be the initial focus, the companies believe the microsensor platform could eventually be used to track additional biomarkers, potentially extending its applications beyond diabetes management.

Rafaël Michali, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Sava, said: “Ascensia has spent decades earning the trust of people with diabetes and the clinicians who support them. Their strong global commercial organization, combined with our novel microsensor platform, gives us a route to a different monitoring experience at the scale this challenge demands. This partnership is the first step towards bringing that technology to the millions of people who need it.”

The planned clinical study and subsequent regulatory process will be key to establishing whether the technology can offer a safe, accurate and practical alternative to CGM devices already available to people living with diabetes.

Join Sava’s waiting list at www.sava.health/waiting-list.