Diabetes patients or just about anyone who needs to monitor their blood sugar knows just how stressful it can be to prick one’s finger every time one needs to test. Fortunately, diabetes startup Hagar changes the game with its new tech, GWave – the world’s first non-invasive glucose monitoring device.
In late November 2021, Hagar’s GWave received the Food and Drug Administration’s breakthrough device designation. This is quite a feat for the Israeli company as it confirms the startup’s iconic tech that uses RF waves to measure blood glucose levels.
Hagar is, without a doubt, over the moon as the FDA recognition comes after closing their Series B funding round. The latest funding amounted to $11.7 million, led by Columbia Pacific, an existing investor. With the newest funding round in the bag, the startup’s valuation is now at $17.1 million.
In a statement, Hagar CTO and co-founder Gerry Waintraub expressed how the FDA breakthrough designation reflects their commitment to advanced tech. He also mentioned how crucial the tech is, as it targets one of the most chronic health issues worldwide.
After all, diabetes affects 8.5 percent of the world’s population or 422 million people. With such a significant marker, GWave offers promise in health and business.
Hagar’s “serendipitous spill”
Many scientific innovations resulted from accidents, and it’s not surprising that GWave’s origins also have an “accidental” nature. Waintraub says he spilled tea on a radio frequency device while conducting another project. He saw a reaction on the device and realized that it came from the sugar on his tea.
The first generation of GWave comes in size, measuring one-third of a smartphone. Without having to prick the patient’s skin, it can measure blood glucose through radio frequency waves. As a result, testers can get the data they need without dealing with the pain.
Users can insert the device into a ceramic bracelet. As the glucose readings fluctuate, the user can see the data through a mobile app connected to the device via Bluetooth. As a result, users can monitor their blood glucose levels without much effort.
The startup is now coming up with a second-generation sensor that can integrate with common smartwatches. This second-gen tech makes the process even more convenient if users are already using smartwatches to monitor their health. As they develop this newer tech, the firm hopes that the accuracy of the device results across a wide range of demographics.
But more than convenience and comfort, Hagar’s GWave also offers another crucial factor: accurate results. According to a study, GWave’s RF tech can measure glucose levels with not less than 90 percent accuracy.
This is a good number, compared to the 70 percent rate offered by other continuous glucose monitors or CGMs. In addition to that, other CGM implants often need to be calibrated with blood prick tests – a process not needed for GWave.
The future is sweet for Hagar’s GWave
Hagar’s painless device makes it easier for people to detect rising blood glucose levels, thus, enabling them to adjust their lifestyle to prevent diabetes. Hagar’s tech is so advanced that even leaders in the medical field are impressed.
For instance, JAEB Center for Health Research Medical Director Dr. Roy Beck GWave says he believes GWave can significantly improve diabetes management. He surely knows the field through and through with over 25 years of experience in multi-center trials and years of research in type 1 diabetes.
With the momentum triggered by their Series B funding and the FDA nod, Hagar aims to conclude their study on the accuracy of GWave among 250 adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes by winter 2021.
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