Medtronic and Bayer to sell glucose meter outside USA

USA-based Medtronic and Bayer Diabetes Care, a member of Germany's Bayer Group, have announced an alliance to distribute and co-market a new blood glucose meter for diabetic patients outside the USA. The meter, based on Bayer's Contour meter platform, will wirelessly transmit blood glucose test results directly to MiniMed Paradigm insulin pumps and the Guardian REAL-Time continuous glucose monitoring systems.

As part of the agreement, Bayer Diabetes Care has acquired exclusive rights to Medtronic's proprietary wireless communications protocol in certain markets outside the USA. The product will initially be introduced in Canada and Germany, followed by a rollout in the rest of Europe. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.