Glucocard 01 offers a high level of accuracy and precision in the self-monitoring of blood glucose due to the use of sophisticated and unique biosensor technology. In addition, Glucocard 01 ensures a virtually pain-free testing experience for the diabetic patient.

Biosensor technology is accepted as being superior, since its accuracy and precision are far greater than obtained with photometer technology, which is commonly used in other glucometers.

“Our commitment towards diabetes care goes back to 1970, when we developed the world’s first self-monitoring blood glucose meter (Eyetone). Since then, self-management of blood glucose has come a long way. One of the key barriers to self-monitoring that still remains is the lack of confidence in self-care technology. We are continually committed to developing products that improve the quality of life of diabetes patients. Glucocard 01 is a significant step in this direction. Glucocard 01 offers a high level of accuracy and precision and hence will provide better self-monitoring options to the patients,” said Mr. Hidehiro Itokawa, Chairman , Arkray Piramal Medical Pvt. Ltd.

In photometric technology, used in traditional glucometers, the enzyme on the strip reacts with the glucose in the blood to produce a colour, which is read by the meter. In biosensor technology, as is used in Glucocard 01, the glucose in the blood reacts with the enzyme on the strip to produce a current, which can be measured by the meter. Measuring the current provides superior accuracy in comparison to measuring colour intensity, which can in turn be affected by temperature and light variation.

Glucocard 01 uses a unique combination of a Ruthenium-based mediator and thin film, carbon-coated electrodes, which makes the testing strips (all glucometers require disposable testing strips) free from temperature and humidity interference, thus ensuring accurate and precise results. In addition, the new glucometer provides automatic calibration (minimising chances of manual errors) and a temperature compensation mechanism (using an in-built thermistor). As the blood sample required for testing is minimal (0.3 microlitres) for Glucocard 01, this ensures a virtually error-free and pain-free testing experience for the patient.

With a diabetic population of more than 40 million, India is on its way to becoming the diabetes capital of the world. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a very important aspect of diabetes self-care. If not closely monitored, high blood glucose can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, strokes, kidney damage and sight loss. However, the concept of SMBG is not yet established very well in India, with only 0.3% of diabetics using self-monitoring blood glucose devices as compared to 33% in the US. The use of glucometers can provide up-to-date information on blood glucose patterns over a period of time. The blood glucose system market in India is estimated to be more than Rs 1 billion in size and is estimated to be growing at around 20%.

Glucocard 01 is available at pharmacies across the country. It can also be procured by dialling the Customer Service number (022 – 3204 3204), emailing customersupport@arkraypiramal.

About Arkay Piramal Medical Private Limited

Arkray Piramal Medical Private Limited is a joint venture between Piramal Healthcare (known as Nicholas Piramal India Limited [“NPIL”], to be renamed Piramal Healthcare Limited, subject to shareholders’ and Central Government’s approval), and Japan-based Arkray, Inc. The two companies entered into a 49:51 joint venture in December 2007 to market diagnostic products, mainly the Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose System (SMBG), in the Indian market.

About Arkray, Inc.

Arkray, Inc. is a market leader in the self-monitoring blood glucose market in Japan, with a dominant market share. Its products are also distributed in over 80 countries around the world.

Arkray, Inc. is an innovator company in the field of diagnostics. Essentially R&D and manufacturing organisation, Arkray, Inc. has developed and manufactured products for leading pharmaceutical companies, such as Bayer, Menarrini, etc.

The Company invented the world’s first blood glucometer (Eyetone) and the world’s first automated HbA1c meter. HbA1c is an important measurement parameter that provides the last three months’ glucose control of a diabetic. In comparison with other companies, Arkray is a ‘Complete Diabetes Care’ Company, with innovative products like special diabetes socks, diabetic food, etc. All products use innovator technology like auto coding, temperature compensation, which ensure 100% accurate results.

About Nicholas Piramal India Limited (name proposed to be changed to Piramal Healthcare Limited)

Nicholas Piramal India Limited (“NPIL”, name proposed to be changed to Piramal Healthcare Limited) is one of India's largest pharmaceutical companies, with a growth track record of above 30% CAGR since 1988. NPIL had consolidated revenues of US$ 602 million in 2006-07.

The Company is currently ranked 5th in the Indian market with a diverse product portfolio spanning nine therapeutic areas. The Company is also one of the largest custom manufacturing companies with a global footprint of assets across North America, Europe and Asia.

NPIL is listed in India on the National Stock Exchange (Ticker: NICOLASPIR) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (Ticker: 500302).

The name change from Nicholas Piramal India Limted to Piramal Healthcare Limited is subject to approval by the Company’s shareholders and Central Government.

About the Piramal Group

Spanning a broad spectrum of industries and formats, the Piramal Group is committed to achieving excellence and leadership by adhering to ethically sound, innovative and value-driven practices in its diverse, yet focused, business ventures and initiatives. The Group’s turnover exceeded Rs. 3,000 crores in FY2007.

The names of specific Group Companies are to be changed subject to shareholders’ and Central Government’s approval.

For further information, please contact:

Rishu Sharma
The PRactice
Mobile: 09311682806
Email: rishu@the-practice.net
Partha Srinivasan
The PRactice
Email: partha@the-practice.net