Interview with Terrance Gregg, President & CEO of DexCom

DexCom (DXCM) is developing a short term continuous glucose monitor for people with diabetes.

The Seven System’s probe-like sensor is inserted by the user under the skin and is held in place by an adhesive. Once inserted, the Sensor begins continuously monitoring glucose. The Transmitter sends the glucose signal from the Sensor and wirelessly transmits the data to the hand-held Receiver. The Receiver processes the glucose signal and, with the push of a button, displays the user’s current glucose value, as well as 1-hr, 3-hr, and 9-hr trends. The Receiver also sounds an alert when a high or low glucose excursion is detected.

Clinical research has demonstrated that users show statistically significant improvements in glycemic profiles with no guidance or therapeutic adjustments from physicians. Users were able to reduce time spent hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic, while simultaneously increasing time spent in their target glucose range.

In addition to his role as President & CEO of DexCom, Terrance Gregg is a Special Venture Partner with Galen-Partners, a private equity firm specializing in the healthcare industry.

Mr. Gregg served as the 2003-2004 Chair of the Research Foundation Board of the American Diabetes Association and serves on the boards of Vasogen (VSGN), and LMS Medical Systems. In 2002 he retired as President of Medtronic MiniMed (MDT), a world leader in diabetes management systems.

Comments

[Bernard Far...:]

Thanks for posting this interview.

One minor correction. Gregg mentions that the sensor uses blood. It actually uses interstitial fluid. This means that the value from the Dexcom will typically lag the blood sugar value in the bloodstream. I've heard one doctor mention that the interstitial value more closely mirrors the BG value in the brain. So perhaps this is a more useful number to know.

It's a great system, despite some flaws. In the last year I've seen a big reduction in my blood glucose fluctuations and an improvement in my overall control.

Dexcom is now on the third version of their system. Each version has had minor improvements over the previous ones. I'm still waiting for their second generation device.

Their stock isn't do much at present. When widespread insurance coverage for CGM arrives, I'd expect to see the stock go up.

2008 May 31 07:01 AM