Roche has acquired a smartphone-based diabetes management platform and will integrated it into its new patient-centred health services in diabetes care arm.

Apps and services from mySugr combine diabetes coaching, therapy management, unlimited test-strips and automated data tracking.

They can be integrated with a number of medical devices and Roche will keep it running as an open platform for all diabetes devices and services, irrespective of their manufacturer.

But the Swiss pharma firm will be keen to demonstrate to healthcare providers the benefits of using its Accu-Chek range of tools to improve therapy decisions and improve patient communication.

Roland Diggelmann, CEO of Roche Diagnostics, said: “We are excited about this agreement, as we will be able to offer seamlessly accessible patient solutions within an open platform to better respond to the unmet needs of people with diabetes. Our aim is to support people with diabetes to spend more time in their ideal glucose target range and improve their quality of life.

“Having partnered with mySugr since 2014, we see an excellent cultural fit, as both our companies are passionate about taking diabetes management to the next level and making a difference in managing diabetes.”

Founded in 2012, mySugr GmbH has offices in San Diego and Vienna, and more than one million users globally.

Frank Westermann, mySugr’s CEO and co-founder, said: “We started mySugr to solve our everyday problems and simplify diabetes therapy through smartphones.

“The mySugr team has filled a gap for over a million loyal users so far, and with Roche’s diabetes expertise and global network, mySugr will become an indispensable companion for hassle-free life.”

Roche, which was an early investor in the platform through its Roche Venture Fund, has now acquired all shares of mySugr GmbH and plans to keep it as a separate legal entity.