Occuity look to pet longevity, targeting diabetes management in pets

Occuity enters Boehringer Ingelheim’s start-ups acceleration program to develop non-invasive glucose monitor for veterinary application.

DISCLOSURE: Longevity.Technology (a brand of First Longevity Limited) has been contracted by the company featured in this article to support its current funding round. Qualifying investors can find out more via the Longevity.Technology investment portal.

Occuity have announced the signing of a preliminary agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies; the agreement will see Occuity enter Behringer’s start-ups acceleration program, with the goal of developing and rolling out Occuity’s patented glucose monitoring technology to help animals suffering from diabetes.

Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim // Photograph: Boehringer Ingelheim

Longevity.Technology: Occuity’s handheld technology works by shining a low power beam of light into the eye and detecting the changes in refractive index in the aqueous humour that correlate closely with changes in glucose concentration.

Although it is currently being developed for use in humans, the tech within the device can take measurements in a few seconds and is completely non-contact – this makes it ideal for supporting the treatment of diabetes in veterinary environments.

Our pets are living longer and healthier lives than ever before, with advances in veterinary medicine, improved nutrition and care, and changes in societal attitudes towards pets all playing a part in improving the lifespan and healthspan of our furry friends. Developments in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have improved the prognosis for pets with various health conditions, and preventative health screenings have become a regular part of standard veterinary care – in fact, it’s such an accelerating sector that we’ll be publishing a report on this longevity sector. Stay tuned!

Boehringer Ingelheim Open innovation digital Director, Frederci Dimur // Photograph: FMI Leo Sorlin

Commenting on Occuity’s news, CEO Dan Daly said: “We have long thought about the potential application of our technology in veterinary. Diabetes in dogs and cats can occur at any age – most commonly at older than 6 years of age for cats and usually 4-14 years of age for dogs – just like diabetes in humans, it’s a growing problem.

“I am delighted to have signed this agreement and look forward to progressing the project with the team at Boehringer Ingelheim.”

Boehringer Ingelheim Open innovation digital Director, Frederic Dimur commented: “As part of our startup program Synapse Acceleration® we are delighted to work with Occuity which has been selected for the 6th edition. We are looking forward to exploring both technical feasibility and veterinary usability tackling the challenge of diabetes management in pets.”

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