Lilly has invested in a company that's developing a Bluetooth-enabled insulin pen and associated smartphone app.

The firm will also sit on the board of San Diego-based medical device firm Companion Medical, which is developing advanced systems for delivery of insulin and other drugs.

Divakar Ramakrishnan, vice president for delivery and device research and development at Lilly, said: “Lilly is focused on delivering the broadest portfolio of diabetes treatments in the industry, including innovative delivery methods to advance the treatment of diabetes.

“Companion's smart pen and app represent innovation that could one day fill a gap for millions of people with diabetes.” 

Companion Medical said Lilly's investment, along with that from other investors, could potentially enable it to complete testing of its technology and submit it to the FDA for approval. 

For Lilly it continues its application of digital technologies, many of which have been made under its diabetes alliance with Boehringer Ingelheim.

These include a diabetes management game and an online behavioural change programme.

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