Biolinq raises $100M to disrupt glucose monitoring - but what makes their patch different?

Biolinq raises $100M to disrupt glucose monitoring - but what makes their patch different?

Wearables have been making waves in cardiometabolic health. Devices like the Apple Watch are tracking heart rate, sleep, even blood oxygen. But there is one key metric that most smartwatches cannot track: blood glucose.

For diabetic patients, especially those with type 2 diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has traditionally been handled by devices like Abbott's FreeStyle Libre.

So how does Biolinq's new tech stand out?

• Intradermal sensors: Instead of a subcutaneous filament, this patch uses an array of a type of microneedles that sit in the dermis, potentially making it less invasive and more comfortable.

• Visual feedback: Worn on the forearm, the device could display glucose levels via a built-in LED, allowing users to instantly see if they're in range, unlike the Freestyle Libre which is usually worn on the upper arm, and requiring an app.

It will be interesting to see how this new device, if approved, will shake up the CGM market.