Global IP Matrix - Issue 5

A23V2002/00 Food compositions, function of food ingredients or
processes for food or foodstuffs
A61B5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g., by tissue impedance measurement
A61K36/481 Astragalus (milkvetch)
use of needles and tubing, thereby lowering
patient discomfort and increasing treatment
compliance. Such innovative solutions have
been shown to significantly lower the risk
of developing complications resulting from
diabetes through effective glycaemic control.
However, these devices are not fully independent,
and insulin contained within them needs to be
replenished regularly; hence, future efforts may
focus on exploiting advancements in stem-cellbased
regenerative therapies to overcome these
challenges.
2. Keeping an eye on the sugar
Figure 2. A heatmap of patent publications in the top 20 CPC classifications.
Who are the current competitors?
Despite the recent potential shift in focus away from pharmaceuticals, most identified areas over
the last 20 years relate to medicinal preparations. This is reflected in Figure 3, wherein the landscape
appears to be dominated by big pharmaceutical companies, which is not surprising considering its
burden upon the healthcare system. The key assignee appears to be Merck Sharp & Dohme, which
holds approximately 17% of the total patent filings in the area. However, it faces firm competition
from Beijing Lvyuanqiuzheng Technology Development, which may be explained by China having the
highest demand for novel solutions, as it has the highest population of diabetics in the world.
Figure 3. Diabetes-related patent filings by the top 15 assignees.
What are the innovations with the biggest potential impact?
A search of the current literature around diabetes treatments uncovers a treasure-trove of innovation.
We will now explore some of the most interesting technologies being developed that might help
overcome the challenges posed by diabetes.
1. An Artificial Pancreas?
Enzyme based finger-prick tests have been the standard means of monitoring blood glucose levels.
However, this process only gives limited insight into glycaemic changes and has been shown to have
low compliance among diabetic patients, thereby translating into a growing need for technology
that can improve glucose monitoring. This has recently been addressed by Medtronic’s development
of the MiniMed 670G System. It is a smart insulin pump that automatically calculates and delivers
an appropriate dosage of insulin, based on glucose sensor readings. A similar product that is
particularly interesting has been designed by Omnipod, which is an external device that avoids the
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An interesting opportunity for easier and
more effective glucose management has been
investigated by Novartis and Google, wherein
glucose is monitored through smart contact
lenses. However, its application has been limited
due to discomfort associated with the sensors
and a lack of reliable glucose readings. Ulsan
National Institute of Science and Technology
appears to have made progress within this field,
as it developed contact lenses comprising sensors
made of stretchable and transparent materials,
which circumvent previous limitations. The new
lenses also comprise an integrated antenna for
wirelessly transmitting data in real-time, which
makes the previously cumbersome process of
blood glucose level monitoring significantly
easier.
3. Deciphering the genetic
enigma of diabetes
The genetic code governs all biological systems.
Our understanding of the human genome has
huge implications for the future of healthcare, as
many patients exhibit a heterologous response
to treatment. It also has the potential for the
discovery of predictive biomarkers that could
improve preventative measures through the
development of genotype tailored lifestyle
programmes. Despite the potential benefits,
developments in this field appear to be ongoing.
This is illustrated by a recently granted patent
(EP2609218B1) that appears to disclose a
method of diagnosing an individual’s genetic
predisposition to developing diabetes, while
The University of California appears to have
discovered genetic variants that affect response to
Metformin treatment. These examples provide us
with an insight into how a better understanding
of our genome could lead to a more personalised
treatment approach, which has the potential to be
more cost-effective.
Conclusion
Worldwide prevalence of diabetes is a growing
challenge for the future of healthcare. It is,
therefore, no surprise that big pharmaceutical
companies dominate the market. While there
is an absence of a definitive cure, recent efforts
have been made in effectively managing
glycaemic levels, which has significantly
reduced the mortality rate and economic
burden of diabetes. Perhaps the lack of
apparent activity in applying genomic data
to the development of preventative measures
may present a gap in the market that could
help overcome challenges posed by diabetes.
Nevertheless, the dynamic diversity of
innovation within this field makes it difficult
to ascertain the direction of future activity. It
will be exciting to see the next move of the key
players in the fight against diabetes.
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