US-based Eli Lilly has announced a development agreement with DexCom, the leader in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to combine Lilly’s smart insulin delivery devices and Dexcom CGM and improve the future of diabetes management.
The Dexcom G5 CGM displays trend arrows indicating whether blood glucose levels are rising or falling, and how fast this is happening. The system uses the rate of change for each trend arrow scenario, in combination with predicted glucose levels and the correction factor, to determine how the insulin dose should be adjusted.
DexCom's FDA-cleared CGM system - the DexCom G4 Platinum - is contributing significantly to the top line. DexCom G4 Platinum is the most innovative CGM system in the market. In June, DexCom had announced the FDA approval of the DexCom G5 mobile app for Android devices.
Through the Connected Diabetes Ecosystem, the companies aim to provide a comprehensive solution to people with diabetes. Devices such as CGM, smart-pens and insulin pumps, drugs, apps and other analytical tools will be aimed at improving outcomes. Clinical trials are expected to begin by the end of 2017.
The deal is expected to help Eli Lilly combat pricing pressures and competition faced by its diabetes unit. “Lilly’s Connected Diabetes Ecosystem promises to drive a significant step forward in diabetes management. As technology converges in our industry, we believe that connected systems will become the standard of care over time,” said Kevin Sayer, President and CEO of Dexcom. “By combining devices, drugs and technology, we can deliver solutions that adapt to each person’s unique needs in managing their diabetes while also providing compelling advancements for both physicians and payers.”
“The Connected Diabetes Ecosystem relies not only on Lilly’s core diabetes expertise, but also the strength of our key partners such as Dexcom,” said Enrique Conterno, president, Lilly Diabetes and Lilly USA. “Dexcom will be an important collaborator in our mission to improve outcomes and reduce the daily burden for people with diabetes.”
DexCom has collaborative agreements with several companies. In September 2017, DexCom announced a tie-up with leading wearables brand Fitbit to develop and market products to help people better manage diabetes and get a clearer picture of their overall health.
