Sanofi has teamed up with Google's life sciences team to develop a new range of digital health tools for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The firms plan to do this by harnessing data and miniaturised technology, in the process moving from 'episodic, event-driven diabetes care' towards 'continuous, value-based care'.

Olivier Brandicourt, Sanofi's chief executive officer, said: "As a global leader in diabetes care, we have both an obligation and a commitment to provide integrated solutions for people living with diabetes.

"This initiative combines Sanofi's strength and knowledge in diabetes with Google's leadership in technology and analytics to create a first-of-its-kind initiative with the potential to transform diabetes care."

Sanofi, whose Lantus (insulin glargine) was the world's fifth best-selling drug last year, will tap into Google's expertise in analytics, miniaturised electronics and low power chip design.

Together they plan to develop new tools that bring together combine data on blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels with patient-reported information, medication regimen data and sensor devices.

Andy Conrad, CEO of the life sciences team at Google, said: "With new technologies emerging to provide a more continuous and real-time view of a patient's health, we can see the promise for more proactive and effective ways to control diabetes.

"Together with Sanofi, we believe diabetes management can be simpler and more convenient, which may help patients achieve an improved quality of life." 

The collaboration will also see the companies partner with Boston's Joslin Diabetes Center. Its president and CEO John Brooks III said: "Technology, sensors, analytics, and digital solutions will revolutionise how blood sugars are managed, which will deliver improved quality of life, lowering the risk of complications and reducing the costs and barriers associated with diabetes care. Ultimately, I truly hope we're able to turn the Joslin Diabetes Center into a museum."

The collaboration is the first major health move from Google since its operations were restructured with the creation of new holding company Alphabet and greater independence handed to its healthcare operations.

It also ramps up Google's focus on diabetes, following its deal with Novartis for glucose-sensing contact lens and recent agreement with DexCom to develop a new range of continuous glucose-monitoring products.

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