422 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide (8.5% of the world population) of which an estimated 29 million are in the US. Of the three types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational), Type 2 accounts for over 90% of the total cases of diabetes. The increased prevalence of diabetes and obesity (a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes) has increased dramatically from 1994 to 2014 and is expected to grow. There are 86 million Americans with pre-diabetes (1/3rd of the population) of which 15% to 30% will develop type 2 diabetes in five years. It is estimated that by 2045, the figure will rise to 700 million worldwide. According to the Centre for Disease Control, 10.5% of the US population suffers from diabetes. The conventional approach to measuring blood glucose levels uses invasive techniques to draw blood from the patients. Advanced stages of diabetes require continuous monitoring. Hence, using traditional methods is not without pain and can become difficult in older people. Marc Rippen, CEO of Alertgy, propelled the idea of a smart glucose monitor as an alternative to traditional systems. This revolutionary device will be the first-of-its-kind wearable glucose monitor.

The First Non-invasive Glucose Monitor

Alertgy has pioneered the noninvasive continuous blood glucose monitoring technology. The present continuous glucose monitors require electrodes to be placed under the skin. However, Alertgy's DeepGluco wearable device uses the patented radiofrequency sensor to monitor blood glucose. This makes the technology noninvasive, with the ability to measure the glucose level in real-time up to three times per minute. Moreover, it is hypo-allergic, waterproof, and can be worn round the clock. DeepGluco uses Alertgy's proprietary algorithm to provide life-saving alerts to users and health care practitioners. The wearable continuous glucose monitor also averts the side effects of patches, needles, and implants used in traditional CGMs. Currently, the device is in its prototype stage. The final DeepGluco device will be in the form of a smartwatch. With the help of inputs from active patients, the prototype will be subjected to various tests and improvements. It will be available to consumers upon FDA approval, possibly by 2022.

Research Strategy for Coronavirus and Alertgy's Sensor Detection Technology

Alertgy is in the process of developing two key components to execute this research study- (1) an electret mask with a microfiber matrix to trap viral particles and (2) an in vitro dielectric analyzer unit, which includes Alertgy’s dielectric sensor and a custom-engineered reservoir for the real-time analysis of the microfiber matrix from the mask.

The proposed project will be broken down into three specific phases. The first phase of the project will explore the possibility that the dielectric-based technology can be tuned to detect inactivated, non-infectious SARS-CoV-2. The second phase will demonstrate that the transformative dielectric-based device can detect SARS-CoV-2 with specificity and can differentiate between other respiratory viruses, such as the flu. The final goal is to deliver a portable in vitro dielectric analyzer along with a mask-based viral trap system. This combination will provide a reliable and robust SARS-CoV-2 virus detection platform. All testing involving viral particles will be done and handled safely by trained professionals at the FAU laboratories.

The Admired Leader Behind the success of Alertgy

Marc E. Rippen is the PRESIDENT & FOUNDER of Alertgy. Marc is an experienced and highly skilled technical engineer with over 30 years of experience. He has worked for multiple fortune 500 companies, Department of Defense (DOD), NASA, SOCOM, and DARPA commercializing dozens of ground-breaking and revolutionary technologies. He holds various degrees across multiple interrelated disciplines including: Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Biophysics, Analytical Chemistry, Masters of Aeronautical Science, and Management of Engineering and Technology.