Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc. (SMSI) of Germantown, MD was founded in 1997 to develop chemical sensing technologies based on fluorescence sensing.
SMSI® is now developing an implantable glucose sensor that is designed to automatically measure interstitial glucose every few minutes. The sensor implant communicates wirelessly with a small external reader, allowing it to track the rate of change of glucose levels and warn the user of impending hypo- or hyperglycemia. According to SMSI, the target operational life of the sensor implant will be 6-12 months, after which it would be replaced.
SMSI’s sensor operates on induced fluorescence changes. The most interesting characteristic of SMSI’s approach is that neither the indicator nor analyte are consumed – The fluorescent indicator molecule and the analyte interact directly yet reversibly. This is in stark contrast to commercialized glucose sensors, which need a continuous supply of fresh glucose, as well as reagents/strips.
The implantable device consists of a bean-shaped waveguide, encapsulated in the indicator matrix, and combined with telemetry capabilities.
In October 2011 SMSI announced that it received $54.1 million in fourth round funding for product development and regulatory approvals.
Company website: www.s4ms.com