Sanofi-Aventis has linked up with privately-held US group AgaMatrix, to develop and sell devices for diabetes.
The companies have signed a long-term agreement for the development, supply and commercialisation of blood glucose monitoring (BGM) devices that will use AgaMatrix’ WaveSense technology. The latter personalise each test “to provide world class accuracy”, the firms say, and employs a new detection method called dynamic electrochemistry to detect and correct errors caused by differences in blood samples and environmental conditions.
Noting that accuracy is particularly important to patients in order to safely adjust their insulin dose, Sanofi says it will sell the products alongside Lantus (insulin glargine), the number one insulin prescribed worldwide, and Apidra (insulin glulisine). The French group already has a presence in devices through its delivery pens SoloStar and ClikStar.
Eric Petreto, vice president of device strategy at Sanofi’s global diabetes division, said that in building up the unit, “our objectives included conducting an exhaustive search for potential partners that have excellent core science, are highly innovative, and have the potential to develop a broad range of products”. AgaMatrix fits the bill, he claimed.
Sanofi will start selling the first products under the agreement, which are aimed at reducing “the perceived complexity of managing patients on insulin therapy” in the second half of 2010. Financial details of the pact were not disclosed.
