Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced today that it is introducing the Libre Sense glucose sport biosensor for measuring athletes’ glucose.
The company touts the Libre Sense as the world’s first glucose sport biosensor, using Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor (CGM) technology to become the first personal-use product that allows for use beyond diabetes, according to a news release.
Having received CE Mark approval in Europe, the Libre Sense is now available for consumers over-the-counter to give athletes at age 16 or older glucose monitoring capabilities through a mobile app while performing sports including cycling, running and swimming, offering a way to understand the efficacy of their nutrition choices in training and competition.
Athletes are to wear the small round biosensor on the back of their upper arm, and it will provide real-time glucose values during a wearability range of up to 14 days. That glucose data will wirelessly stream through Bluetooth every minute through compatible mobile apps and wrist readers.
The first non-exclusive collaboration for distribution of the technology is with Atlanta-based Supersapiens, which has partnered with teams at the Tour de France to put the system to use in training as part of an observational trial. The sensor will be available for purchase through the Supersapiens website.
Abbott said the Libre Sense will initially be made available commercially in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
“FreeStyle Libre changed the way millions of people manage their diabetes to get and stay healthier, and now with Libre Sense we’re bringing that same proven technology to empower athletes to help them reach their athletic performance goals,” Abbott diabetes care senior VP Jared Watkin said in the release. “This is just the beginning – our breakthrough sensing technology has the potential to go beyond glucose and provide a lens into what’s happening in the human body that could provide meaningful insights into other conditions, treatments, and ultimately improve health.”
