Afon Technology Ltd, a med-tech start up based in South Wales are developing Glucowear®, a truly non-invasive, wearable, continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
The small but dedicated team at Afon Technology are determined to be the first to develop a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor which will be a game changer for those living with diabetes who need to monitor their blood glucose levels throughout the day and night.
The device will provide real-time glucose readings to the user via an app on their smartphone, with an alarming system for when a user’s blood glucose levels rise too high or fall dangerously low.
Real-time glucose readings
Afon Technology was started by Dr Sabih Chaudhry, a microwave engineer, who first discovered there may be a way to detect changes in blood glucose levels whilst working on another medical technology using low-powered RF/microwaves.
After years of experimentation whilst looking for investment, Dr Chaudhry eventually secured substantial funding from private investors in December 2015. Since then, Dr Chaudhry has built up a diverse, multi-skilled team to tackle the challenge of developing the first truly ‘non-invasive, continuous glucose monitor’ designed primarily for the c.537 million adults that live with diabetes worldwide.
The company boasts a very experienced board of directors who help advise and guide the company through technical, regulatory and commercial challenges.
Diabetes is a global epidemic
Diabetes is a global epidemic, which if not well managed can lead to long term health issues such as kidney failure, eyesight loss and in extreme cases, coma.
Whilst there are good CGMs on the market, they are at best minimally invasive and for a lot of people unaffordable meaning many have to rely on ‘finger pricking’ at least several times a day in order to know their blood glucose levels. This can be painful and frustrating.
Afon Technology’s Glucowear®, will be an affordable answer to millions of diabetics, enabling them to better self-manage their condition which in turn will lead to improved overall health.
Whilst the company primarily have those living with diabetes in mind, they also believe Glucowear® will be a helpful tool for all those wishing to monitor their health, especially those diagnosed as pre-diabetic and who need to keep a close eye on their blood glucose levels.
Showcasing the ‘Glucowear’ device to the Diabetes world
Afon Technology has been successful at securing substantial grant income by winning a number of awards, the most recent being the European Commission’s prestigious EIC Accelerator Grant.
Following a rigorous and intense application and interview process the company was one of only six UK based companies from amongst 1000’s of applicants to be awarded €2.4million. This recognition and funding was a huge boost to the company and will enable them to speed up the development of their device as well as put it through vital clinical trials.
Afon Technology recently exhibited at the American Diabetes Association’s 83rd Scientific Sessions in San Diego, the first exhibition the company has exhibited at. This was an important milestone to hit, showcasing the ‘Glucowear’ device to key opinion leaders, clinicians, investors and competitors in the Diabetes world.
