Novartis Licenses Google 'Smart Lens' Tech For Medical Uses

Novartis’ eye division subsidiary Alcon has entered into agreement with Google’s division Google[x] to in-license its ‘smart lens’ technology for ocular and possible diabetes management medical uses.

As part of the agreement, Google[x] will work with Alcon to co-develop a smart lens that uses non-invasive sensors, microchips, and other mini electronics embedded within it to address ocular conditions. This new technology will be indicated for patients with presbyopia who can benefit from accommodative vision correction to restore their eye’s natural autofocus abilities using the technology. Novartis will also investigate ways to develop the smart lens into a product that continuously measures the diabetic patients’ glucose levels via tear fluid in the eye in a minimally invasive method. The data will then be transmitted wirelessly to a mobile device.

Sergey Brin, Co-Founder of Google, said, “Our dream is to use the latest technology in the miniaturization of electronics to help improve the quality of life for millions of people. We are very excited to work with Novartis to make this dream come true.”

Jeff George, Division Head of Alcon, said, “Alcon and Google have a deep and common passion for innovation. By combining Alcon's leadership in eye care and expertise in contact lenses and intraocular lenses with Google's innovative "smart lens" technology and groundbreaking speed in research, we aim to unlock a new frontier to jointly address the unmet medical needs of millions of eye care patients around the world.”

Should the partnership succeed in developing the technology for diabetics, Novartis will earn a ticket to engage the global blood-sugar tracking market estimated to be worth over $12 billion by 2017.

Other technology giants aside from Google are also exploring the health sector with offerings of mobile applications and devices that monitor users’ health and activities on a daily basis. Earlier this year, Apple unveiled health tracking tools that measure footsteps, heart rate and caffeine intake while Samsung has launched a number of wearable devices that monitor daily movements.