Swiss drugmaker Roche (PINK:RHHBY) said today that it bought diabetes management platform mySugr for an undisclosed price. The 2 companies have worked together since 2014.
mySugr’s digital tech enables users to track things like their blood sugar, diabetes medications and physical activity.
Roche’s diabetes diagnostic biz has recently faced pricing pressure, bringing about rumors that it would sell the division. But instead, Roche has said it plans to expand the unit.
The acquisition is reflective of a larger movement in medtech, as medical device makers look to wield technology and big data to boost patient compliance and outcomes.
“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,” Roland Diggelmann, Roche’s diagnostics head, told Reuters.
mySugr, which has 47 employees, boasts more than 1 million users and the app is available in 52 countries.
“With Roche’s diabetes expertise and global network, mySugr will become an indispensable companion,” co-founder Frank Westermann said in a statement.
Patients with diabetes using mySugr’s app can upload data from their glucose meters to their smartphones with a Bluetooth connection. The data can then be shared with their doctors.
Roche said that the diabetes management platform will remain accessible for other manufacturers’ devices.
In an effort to bring in more customers for its glucose test strips, Roche has offered its Accu-Chek-brand glucose meters for free if users download the mySugr app.
Material from Reuters was used this report.
