VeriChip Seals Partnership With DRI

VeriChip has entered into a strategic partnership with the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) to combine efforts on the further development of the glucose-sensing radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip, in conjunction with VeriChip’s development partner, RECEPTORS.

Reportedly, VeriChip and DRI also intend to create a prospective, randomized, comparative clinical study that will seek to address the lack of appropriate, concise and up-to-date patient health information, through the utilization of VeriChip’s interoperable personal health record, Health Link, and an electronic medical record system.

The DRI bridges programs in the fields of pancreatic stem cell development, tissue engineering, transplant immunology, cell transdifferentiation, molecular biology and regenerative medicine, among others, to approach the cure with a true multidisciplinary strategy.

Robert Pearlman, president and CEO of DRI Foundation, said: “We are pleased to partner with VeriChip on this important initiative to develop a glucose-sensing RFID microchip, which could potentially improve patient care and compliance among individuals with diabetes. Furthermore, we believe access to a personal health record is vital for all patients, but particularly those with chronic illnesses. Our relationship with VeriChip will enable us to provide that access to our patients and study the utility of Health Link and the role it plays within a larger electronic medical record system.”

The company said that (as announced previously in November 2008) RECEPTORS completed phase I of the development of the glucose-sensing RFID microchip, which demonstrated the proof-of-concept foundation of the glucose-sensing system. The companies expect that phase II will demonstrate a glucose concentration response in the presence of blood and interstitial fluid matrix components. They published a white paper entitled, ‘Development of an Implantable Glucose Sensor,’ which outlines the product’s development.