Sano — Minimally-invasive Wearable Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patch
Sano Intelligence developed a non-invasive, wearable biometric sensor for continuous blood glucose monitoring. The project aimed to create an affordable, compact device that could revolutionize diabetes management by eliminating painful finger pricks while providing real-time data compatible with digital health platforms.
Problem
Diabetes management traditionally requires invasive and often painful methods for monitoring blood glucose levels. Existing solutions involve frequent finger pricks or wearing bulky continuous glucose monitors, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for users. Additionally, many current devices are expensive, limiting accessibility for a broader population.
Solution
Sano Intelligence developed an innovative wearable biometric sensor that provides non-invasive, continuous blood glucose monitoring. The solution addresses several key issues:
Minimally-invasive monitoring: Eliminates the need for painful finger pricks
Continuous data: Offers real-time, ongoing tracking of blood glucose levels
Discreet design: A small, coin-sized patch that can be worn unobtrusively
Affordability: Aimed to make medical-grade monitoring accessible to more people
Integration: Designed for compatibility with larger digital health platforms
Approach
Innovative Sensing Technology: Sano developed silicon-based sensing technology capable of capturing blood chemistry data, specifically blood glucose levels, without piercing deep into the skin.
Miniaturization: The company focused on creating a compact form factor, resulting in a small, wearable patch that could be easily integrated into users' daily lives.
User-Centric Design: By prioritizing minimally-invasive methods and a discreet form factor, Sano addressed key pain points for individuals managing diabetes.
Affordability Focus: The company aimed to create a solution that was more cost-effective than existing medical-grade devices, potentially expanding the market for advanced glucose monitoring.
Data Integration: Sano designed its technology to be compatible with larger health platforms, as evidenced by Fitbit's investment and the later acquisition by One Drop.
Continuous Improvement: The company iterated on its technology, working towards a solution that could provide accurate, continuous monitoring in a user-friendly package.
By taking this approach, Sano Intelligence aimed to advance non-invasive health monitoring technology, particularly in the realm of diabetes management. While the company faced challenges in bringing its product to market, its innovations contributed to the ongoing development of wearable technology in healthcare. Ultimately, Sano's work caught the attention of One Drop, leading to an acquisition in 2020. This allowed Sano's technology to potentially be integrated into a broader digital health platform, albeit in a different form than originally envisioned.
