From competitors forging partnerships to ‘Bionic’ alliances: We bring you10 takeaways from M&A deals in Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM MedTech)
Whether it’s hardcore athletes, or weekend brunchers, more people are tracking blood sugar in real time. Henry Schein’s (a Fortune 500 medical supplier) acquisition of Acentus announced on 17th Jan 2025, indicates a larger opportunity at play.
Several factors are driving growth and deal activity in a niche medical device category – Continuous Glucose Monitoring (or CGMs). We are witnessing convergence of –
- Tech breakthroughs (needle free, wearables, implantable sensors)
- Regulatory approval for ‘Over-the-counter’ CGMS (Approved by FDA in 2023)
- New segments unlocked (type-2 diabetes, athletes, wellness consumers)
- Market structure rejig (surge in partnerships, insulin delivery integrations)
In this edition, we dig intro sector trends, partnerships and venture activity.
Some analysis generated on “Continuous Glucose Monitors” using Wokelo.ai (on 21 Jan’24).
1. OTC CGMs and the Rise of the “Wellness” User
- 2023 market a significant shift in the continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in US.
- FDA-cleared OTC CGMs—like Abbott’s Lingo and Dexcom’s Stelo—open the door to 25+ million Americans who don’t take insulin.
- Nearly half of health-conscious consumers say they’d pay out-of-pocket for CGM insights, signalling a cultural pivot from disease management to proactive health tracking.
2. Implantable & Needle-Free Breakthroughs
- Senseonics’ one-year implantable sensor (Eversense 365) and emerging non-invasive tech by GraphWear point to a future where glucose monitoring is near-effortless.
- Think wearable patches or smartwatches instead of frequent sensor swaps.
“The CGM market is undergoing a seismic shift—no longer limited to traditional finger-prick tests or only to those on insulin therapy”
3. Booming Market—But Not Without Hurdles
- Forecasts project the CGM market to hit $16.7B by 2028 at a CAGR of ~19%.
- Yet cost, insurance gaps, and data overload remain real hurdles.
- Innovators who simplify affordability and streamline data will stand out.
4. Power of Partnerships, Ecosystem-wide integrations
- Recent tie-ups show how CGM players are joining forces to create seamless “closed-loop” or integrated ecosystems—blurring the lines between device, smartphone, and insulin delivery.
- Competitors Medtronic and Abbott striking diabetes partnership signals an ecosystem-based future with multiple data and hardware integrations
“Abbott’s collaboration with Beta Bionics (Sept 2024) on an automated insulin delivery system underscores how CGMs are central to next-gen “bionic” solutions”
5. From One-Size-Fits-All to AI-Driven Personalization
- Companies are integrating CGM data with advanced analytics and AI, delivering real-time insights on diet, stress, or exercise.
- This move transforms CGMs into a personal health “coach” rather than just a glucose readout.
6. Pediatrics, Geriatrics, & New Use Cases
- Watch for targeted solutions for kids, older adults, and even general wellness buffs
- Looking to manage sleep quality or weight loss, tapping a massive market beyond diabetes alone.
7. Funding & Tech Upgrades
- Allez Health’s recent $60M raise and GlucoModicum’s ramp-up toward mass manufacturing show how new players are pushing the boundaries—especially around needle-free solutions and cutting-edge sensor tech.
- These advances respond to growing consumer demand for seamless, pain-free monitoring.
“We’re witnessing a convergence of needle-free breakthroughs, over-the-counter access, and advanced insulin-delivery integrations—all accelerated by expanding coverage proposals”
As CGMs move from niche prescription devices to broad consumer wellness tools, expect even more capital infusions and partnerships aimed at truly closing the loop on diabetes management.
