Ascensia Diabetes Care develops and markets innovative blood glucose monitoring systems and offers continuous glucose monitoring solutions made by Senseonics to simplify and improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
How did Ascensia Diabetes Care evolve and what are its contributions to diabetes management?
Ascensia Diabetes Care was established in 2016 through the acquisition of Bayer Healthcare's diabetes business by Panasonic Healthcare Holdings, a company that had been acquired by KKR in 2014. It became part of PHC Group and the core of the diabetes management domain, and has made a significant contribution to the company’s profitability. Ascensia boasts a long history of innovation in diabetes care, dating back to launching the first test strip for measuring glucose in urine in the 1940s and the first portable self-testing blood glucose monitor in 1969. These innovations underscore Ascensia's longstanding commitment to improving diabetes management, highlighted by the FDA's recognition of the glucose monitor's impact on the 100th anniversary of insulin's discovery.
The company has continued to innovate with the Contour® Next system in 2011, offering unprecedented accuracy in blood glucose monitoring (BGM), and now with the Eversense® E3 system for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), in collaboration with Senseonics. These advancements reflect Ascensia’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for diabetes management, including the first BGM with onboard software in 2009 and the introduction of Bluetooth-enabled meters for easier data access.
Can you provide an overview of diabetes and its prevalence?
Diabetes is a widespread condition affecting nearly half a billion people globally, and is characterized by the body's inability to produce or properly use insulin. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in younger individuals, is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas fails to produce insulin, resulting in lifelong dependency on exogenous insulin. Type 2 diabetes, which is more prevalent and linked to genetics, lifestyle, and diet, results from the body's increasing resistance to insulin. Ascensia's efforts in BGM and CGM are crucial for managing this growing epidemic, offering people with diabetes essential tools for monitoring their glucose levels and managing their condition effectively.
What makes the Contour Next range of BGM products stand out in the market?
The Contour Next BGM range differentiates itself with a proprietary mediator technology, enhancing the accuracy and precision of glucose measurements.
This advancement positions Ascensia as a leader in blood glucose monitoring, offering devices that are not only highly accurate but also user-friendly.
Features such as SmartLight and second-chance sampling reflect Ascensia's focus on ease of use and patient convenience, reducing the burdens associated with diabetes management. The company's emphasis on accuracy, coupled with its commitment to simplifying the user experience, has secured its prominent market position.
How is the technological revolution in connectivity influencing Ascensia's products?
Connectivity is a critical component of Ascensia's product development, evidenced by the introduction of the Bluetooth-enabled Contour Next One meter. These innovations represent Ascensia's commitment to integrating diabetes management with digital technology, facilitating easier access to glucose readings and enhancing patient engagement with their health data. The company's cloud-based solutions, such as GlucoseContro.online, and partnerships aim to provide a more cohesive and user-friendly experience, allowing for real-time data sharing with healthcare providers and caregivers, thus improving disease management.
What are Ascensia's strategies for global expansion and overcoming challenges in the diabetes care market?
Ascensia has established a strong global presence, operating directly in 30 countries and serving over 100 countries through partnerships and distributors. The focus remains on maximizing market potential through strategic sales and marketing efforts and continuing to grow market share. For the Eversense E3 CGM system, Ascensia aims to achieve critical mass in the US and European markets as a steppingstone for broader global expansion. Ascensia is making progress on navigating key challenges such as reimbursement landscapes and adapting to evolving market dynamics to ensure broad access to its innovative diabetes care solutions. Ascensia's comprehensive approach to market leadership, particularly in leveraging its high-tech manufacturing capabilities, positions it well to address these challenges and expand its impact in diabetes care globally.
