BioCentury
ARTICLE | Tools & Techniques

Sticking points

June 7, 1999 7:00 AM UTC

Despite numerous delays in development, the completion of a PMA for Cygnus Inc. 's GlucoWatch Automatic Glucose Monitor puts the company ahead of several market hopefuls for glucose monitoring devices. While other systems avoid the frequent finger sticks required with the GlucoWatch, CYGN believes this won't deter patients and that the constant monitoring features of its device will distinguish it from the competition. Only SpectRx Inc. also has a constant monitor.

GlucoWatch collects glucose molecules from interstitial fluid in discs containing glucose oxidase and the reaction between glucose and the enzyme forms hydrogen peroxide, which is detected by a biosensor. The device provides up to three glucose readings per hour for 12 hours after calibration with a traditional finger-stick meter...