2009 Award Winners
Award-winning project: Mini implant sensor for non-invasive blood glucose measurement in diabetics
Project partners: EyeSense GmbH | Steinbeis Research Center International Vision Correction Research Centre (IVCVC)/Heidelberg
Diabetes mellitus affects around 250 million people worldwide. Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels is an important part of treatment. The invasive method previously used exclusively – applying a drop of blood to a test strip on a blood glucose meter – is found to be painful by many patients and often results in limited compliance, in terms of the patient’s willingness to cooperate with their treatment.
EyeSense GmbH, based in Großostheim, Bavaria, has developed a hydrogel implant as a delivery system containing fluorophores, which is implanted beneath the conjunctiva of the eye. This implantation site offers the advantage of excellent implant tolerance, and the mini-sensor is surrounded by tissue fluid, which enables blood glucose analysis. Depending on the glucose concentration, the biochemical implant sensor emits fluorescent light of varying intensity, which is detected and analysed optically and non-invasively using a small photometer held in front of the eye without making contact.
As part of the transfer project, which was awarded the Löhn Prize, laboratory experiments were initially carried out at the Steinbeis Research Centre IVCRC at the University Eye Clinic in Heidelberg to determine the optimal measurement position between the sensor and the photometer. At the same time, the EyeSense implant was tested for compatibility with commonly administered topical medications. As part of a Phase II study, clinical evaluation then began in August 2008 under the leadership of the IVCRC. The procedure was continuously improved through regular exchanges of experience. The Steinbeis Research Centre IVCRC initiated the development of an injector to ensure the implant could be inserted optimally. At the same time, EyeSense reduced the size of the implant and rounded off its edges. The results from the first study cohort are very promising and show a good correlation between the readings from the mini-sensor and the reference method, with good implant tolerance.
Future objectives of the collaboration include the further evaluation and development of the implant to ensure reliable and long-term subconjunctival blood glucose monitoring and to bring the product to market.