The sensors are implanted in the subcutaneous tissue and measure variations in the occurrence of defined molecules based on changes in osmotic pressure. Their sensor "Sensell" is very small and has a long life. It is also cheaper than competing solutions. The sensor can also measure changes in almost all molecules that occur in the body, and Lifecare plans to expand the area of use beyond just measuring the glucose level.
Patenting has been important throughout
The idea of measuring changes in glucose levels using changes in osmotic pressure was conceived in the 1980s by engineer Olav Ellingsen. In 1986, he established the "Lifecare" project to develop an artificial pancreas. During this journey, both Ellingsen and the company focused on patenting the inventions.
The original company no longer exists in the same form, and Lifecare AS was established in 2006. As part of the establishment, the company was transferred patents established by Ellingsen. Lifecare has invested around 120 million in further developing the idea of measuring glucose using osmotic pressure sensors, and it has been absolutely central to ensure the protection of the idea, technology and future products.
As of 2019, continuous glucose monitoring (“CGM”) systems had an estimated global revenue of around USD 4.6 billion, and it is estimated that it will increase to more than USD 30 billion by 2026. — In this landscape, it is clear that we must be confident that our innovation and our products have good rights protection, says CEO Joacim Holter in Lifecare.
The firm's strategy for intellectual property rights is to maintain and further develop existing IPR. This involves both expanding the portfolio by establishing new patents, and expanding the geographical area of protection. When entering into research collaborations, they are aware of protecting both existing IP and IP that may arise through such collaborations.
Lifecare has not experienced direct copying of its technology, but it has learned that scientific findings based on sensor technology have been published in violation of its patents.
– Our basic patent was established in 2001. In 2010, we became aware that an academic grouping in the US and China published articles on scientific findings with sensor technology that were clearly based on osmotic pressure sensor technology in conflict with our patents. A similar grouping from India did the same in 2014. These groupings have had no new activity in this regard, which indicates that our patents protect as intended.
Joachim Holter
Lifecare handles both new possible patents and existing portfolio with the help of Zacco Norway as patent office. They have internal resources that are fully competent and capable of handling patent processes, but it provides important security to use the specialized expertise possessed by a patent office.
IPR is positive for getting public support
The company has received support from the Research Council, the Swedish Tax Agency and the European Commission's R&D program Horizon2020. Holter clearly believes that their IPR has been important in connection with these awards in that it underpins the company's innovation competence and the development potential for the technology.
Advice for other businesses in the start-up phase
Holter has some advice for others starting up a business: — Focus on the basic IP and carefully consider where a possible patent should be continued after the national phase. Engage a patent office; it means spending that can certainly come in handy somewhere else, but it can prove very useful in the process.
— It is usually too expensive to register patents globally in the start-up phase, but it is important to have a conscious relationship with, and to ensure, good protection in relevant parts of the world. There are different assessments that determine where this is, but if possible, I would recommend rather applying in one country too much, and possibly waiving patents later. Investors and partners are generally concerned that concepts should be patented, and this can prove important when a possible investment round becomes necessary for the business.
