1998
Lifecare
The first Lifecare was established, with the purpose to develop a patented artificial pancreas.
About
Our story
In the 1970s Olav Ellingsen discovered a link between glucose levels and osmotic pressure after his son, suffering from diabetes, experienced severe swelling and bulging eyeballs due to high glucose levels. Insulin injections relieved the symptoms, leading Ellingsen to realize that monitoring osmotic pressure could accurately reflect glucose levels. This discovery is the foundation of Lifecare’s sensor solution.
1998-2015
Implantable sensor and pre-clinical studies
The development of an implantable sensor for glucose monitoring, focusing on measuring glucose levels using osmotic pressure and an osmotic membrane. This work led to patents for monitoring osmotically active components in body fluids and measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity. Additionally, an industrial research project at Vestfold University College, Norway, culminated in the doctoral thesis Osmotic Sensor for Blood Glucose Monitoring Applications.
2015-2020
Pre clinical studies
Pre-clinical sensor studies were conducted in pigs. Lifecare entered a Product Development Agreement with Sanofi, ensuring milestone-based funding contributions, in return of a right of first refusal to negotiate allowing an exclusive opportunity to license the Sencell technology. In 2018, Lifecare was listed on Euronext Growth.
2021-2023
Expansion and clinical development studies
Lifecare established NanoBioSensors, Laboratory, Chemistry, and Veterinary divisions while securing a patent for an interstitial fluid osmotic pressure measuring system. In-vitro tests with a miniaturized sensor preceded a clinical study confirming accurate performance in humans.
2024
Preparing for production, clinical studies and commerci…
A new patent was secured for fluid composition and its preparation. Pilot sensor production began, moving toward automation. Lifecare acquired RemovAid, adding a device for subdermal implant removal, and partnered with OneTwo Analytics to enhance glucose data accessibility. A longevity trial in dogs confirmed sensor performance. The company was listed on Euronext Oslo Børs.