The most popular constant glucose monitor in America is getting a long-awaited upgrade. The FDA has finally cleared the FreeStyle Libre 2 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system from Abbott (ABT 0.49%) for type 1 diabetes patients 4 and older.
It has been more than two years since the next-generation iCGM earned CE Mark clearance in Europe, but Abbott's experience with U.S. regulators wasn't nearly as smooth. The FreeStyle Libre 2 adds Bluetooth capability; the Libre 1 model could only transmit information about a patient's blood sugar levels wirelessly using NFC (near-field communication) protocols.
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Over the past couple of years, another iCGM, the G6 from Dexcom (DXCM 1.89%), has gained significant popularity, partly because its Bluetooth functionality makes it easier for patients (and their caregivers) to receive alerts on their smartphones the moment their blood sugar reaches a dangerous level.
Why diabetes patients may favor the Freestyle Libre 2
Insurers and government payers have quickly learned that replacing frequent finger-pokes with disposable, stick-on glucose monitors improves diabetes patients' outcomes and reduces their hospitalizations. During the first three months of 2020, worldwide Libre sales rose 59.3% year over year to more than $600 million, which works out to around 20% of Abbott's total revenue at the moment.
Despite the fact that the Libre 1 was less able to interact with popular mobile devices, Abbott hasn't had any trouble holding onto a large share of the U.S. iCGM market with its low-priced device. And given that the Libre 2's sensor has been approved to remain applied to patients for 14 days at a time, its new iCGM could have a leg up on Dexcom's G6 and its 10-day sensor.
