Sanofi has launched its iPhone compatible blood glucose meter in the US and signed a number of retail deals to make the iBGStar available to consumers, including one with Apple.

The device is the first FDA-approved blood glucose monitoring system that directly connects to Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and allows users to input their own data and notes via a specially designed app.

Lynn Crowe, director of diabetes devices for Sanofi US Diabetes, told the company's Discuss Diabetes blog that the combination of iBGStar and mobile technology should make it easier for those with diabetes to track their data, see the trends and take action.

“One of the key challenges with glucose data is addressed with the iBGStar Blood Glucose Monitoring System, allowing people with diabetes to easily display, manage and communicate their diabetes information anytime and anywhere.

“People rarely leave home without their mobile phone, while they might leave a paper log on the desk at home. For the first time, people living with diabetes may organise their blood glucose data right from their iPhone,” she said.

Sanofi has signed a number of retail partnerships to make its new device available to patients, tying up with Apple Stores and pharmacy chain Walgreens, according to Mobi Health News.

Developed in partnership with AgaMatrix, iBGStar works with the iBGStar Diabetes Manager App, which allows people with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose, analyse and track their data, and share their readings with healthcare professionals or caregivers.

The device can also be used separately from an iPhone or iPod Touch and has been launched is several European markets, including Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy and the UK.

Speaking to PMLiVE at its UK launch in March, Sanofi UK's brand lead for BGStar and iBGStar Jason Lovatt said the company was looking to provide “more than just the meter, more than just an insulin” in order to provide diabetes patients with things that help them manage and handle their diabetes.

“What differentiates Sanofi from other companies is the fact that we are an insulin manufacturer as well,” he said. “The combined approach of looking at someone's treatment needs with regards to their insulin, and then looking at their monitoring needs and then packaging together some education, that synergy is one of the key things that will differentiate Sanofi from other companies in the market.”

The iBGStar has a CE mark as a medical device, and is classified as an accessory, and Sanofi is considering the practicalities of producing an Android version of the device, where the challenge will be working with smartphones that lack Apple's standard connection slot.

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