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Award details
- Awarding agency
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Branch
- National Institutes of Health
- Recipient company
- Biolinq Incorporated
- Proposal award date
- 2021-09-01
- Contract end date
- 2022-02-28
- UEI
- GW6NF3RJFSH8
- Solicitation number
- DK19-027
- Topic code
- NIDDK
Research abstract
andquot;A hybrid continuous glucose and lactate monitor with improved signal reliabilityandquot;
Biolinq Inc. (f/k/a Electrozyme LLC)
7. PROJECT SUMMARY
Over the past decade, the diabetes community has benefited enormously from the successful commercialization
of multiple generations of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). These devices are able to report readings of
glucose in the interstitial fluid (ISF) to users on a near real-time basis. Over the few years, driven primarily by
demands for improved glycemic management in insulin-dependent diabetes, the accuracy and reliability of CGM
devices made further advances leading to FDA approval of their use in determining insulin dosing without the
need for confirmatory fingersticks. The latest generation of CGM devices are routinely used to provide input to
automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. However, despite these impressive improvements in CGM technology,
CGMs today remain limited to the measurement of a single analyte and lack the ability to take redundant
measurements. It is increasingly recognized that further advances in glycemic management will likely require
the addition of other circulating biomarkers to elucidate individual variability in glycemic response, especially to
physical activity. Measurement of freely circulating lactate can augment established glucose measurements as
lactate has been found to shift glycemic thresholds for hypoglycemia in individuals with T1D to lower plasma
glucose concentrations [33]. This project thus aims to provide a novel CGM platform capable of accurately
measuring both glucose and lactate. We believe that a combined glucose and lactate continuous monitoring
system will enhance the safety and efficacy of the next generation of AID systems. Biolinq has developed a
body-worn patch containing a microneedle array with multiplexed sensing elements. Clinical studies to date have
used a microneedle array consisting of individually-addressable microneedles inserted into the reticular dermis
– approximately 200 to 350 microns below the surface of the skin. Previous work has shown a high level of
correlation between glucose in the dermal interstitial fluid and blood glucose [57]. Our clinical studies have
confirmed the high level of correlation reported and low lag time previously established for glucose in the dermal
ISF [36]; we believe this is a unique property of sensing in the dermis and can be extended to other metabolites.
In accordance with the project plan, the research effort seeks to attain the following objectives: (1) development
and refinement of a lactate-selective sensing chemistry and its co-location with Biolinq’s clinically-validated
glucose-selective chemistry, (2) implementation of redundant measures of glucose and lactate in a microneedle
array sensor platform featuring individually-addressable sensing elements to provide accurate and reliable
measurements in the dermal ISF, and (3) design of an end-to-end body-worn sensing system containing a
miniaturized, low-power application-specific integrated circuit with Bluetooth wireless capability. The technology
and business objectives outlined in this proposal will have a direct impact on open- and closed-loop insulin
delivery and should meet current needs for an accurate, non-invasive continuous glucose and lactate monitor
with broad applicability owing to its enhanced reliability, accuracy, simple use profile, and low-cost nature.andquot;A hybrid continuous glucose and lactate monitor with improved signal reliabilityandquot;
Biolinq Inc. (f/k/a Electrozyme LLC)
8. PROJECT NARRATIVE
The proposed project aims to develop a microneedle array-based intradermal biosensor for the continuous
assessment of glucose and lactate levels in the dermal interstitial fluid. This new multi-variate biosensor
paradigm will impart the ability to perform non-invasive, pain-free sensing in a redundant fashion with a low
level of latency, thereby providing insight into glycemic variability during rapid rates of change, especially
during instances of hypoglycemia and bouts of physical activity. The development activity will thus lead to the
validation of a unique wearable multi-variate sensing platform with enhanced accuracy and reduced patient
burden, which will augment the safety and effectiveness of CGM and its integration into open and closed loop
hormone replacement systems for diabetes management.
Technology keywords
Not reported
Other awards by this recipient
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Research funding history
7 SBIR/STTR records share this UEI (2014–2025). Reported award amounts total $4,907,636. Reported amounts are not federal obligations.
Phases: Phase I, Phase II
Agencies: Department of Health and Human Services
Agency intelligence
Department of Health and Human Services
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