EUROPE – Dexcom has received European approval for the G7 continuous glucose monitor, the latest generation of its wearable diabetes sensor, for adults and children aged two and up.

The low-profile G7 sensor is designed to be 60% smaller than its predecessor—mainstay Dexcom’s G6 sensor, which debuted in 2018—and includes a combined sensor applicator and transmitter that allows it to be digitally connected with a variety of devices such as smartphones and smartwatches.

The G7 also has a short warm-up period, providing real-time blood sugar readings and alerts 30 minutes after application without the need for fingerstick calibration.

Meanwhile, completed sensors can provide a 12-hour grace period to allow for a more seamless transition between disposable devices.

The G7 will be rolled out across the continent in the coming weeks, according to the company.

Dexcom also plans to release an updated CGM algorithm before the end of the year, with the goal of improving sensor performance, as well as a future update that will allow the sensor to connect directly to an Apple Watch.

The device, created in collaboration with Google’s life science-focused sister company Verily, can be worn on the back of the upper arm or abdomen, or above the buttocks for children and adolescents; the European CE mark also allows pregnant women to use the G7.

Today marks an incredible milestone for our company and for people with diabetes in Europe,” President and CEO Kevin Sayer said in a statement. “Dexcom G7 takes everything people love about G6 and makes it even better.”

The company stated that it is collaborating with insulin pump manufacturers to integrate the G7 into existing and future artificial pancreas systems.

Dexcom submitted the device to the FDA for review in the fourth quarter of 2021.

After declaring 2020 to be its best year yet, Dexcom upped the ante in 2021 by adding another half-billion dollars in revenue and increasing its customer base by more than 30%.

The company reported US$2.45 billion in revenue for the entire year, a 27 percent increase over its US$1.9 billion total in 2020, exceeding its own forecast.

Sayer described the most significant achievement of 2021 during a year-end earnings call in February as the first publication of data demonstrating the effectiveness of the G7 sensor.

When compared to standard glucose meters, the system produced blood sugar readings with a mean average relative difference of about 8%.

Dexcom stated earlier this year that it expects revenues in 2022 to increase by 15% to 20% over 2021, owing in part to increased CGM awareness and continued international expansion.

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