Sphere was established by Sagentia and Siemens in 2002 to develop a series of chip-based micro sensors for use in critical care medicine. Based on proprietary technology, the sensors allow minimally invasive, real time measurement of clinical chemistry parameters and therapeutic drug concentrations
Sphere was established by Sagentia with Siemens to develop a series of unique chip-based micro sensors for use in intensive care medicine. Based on cutting edge micro- and nano-technology, Sphere is developing highly innovative monitoring products to provide clinical and economic benefits in the critical care environment, based on the company’s proprietary technology. The products allow minimally invasive, real time measurement of clinical chemistry parameters and therapeutic drug concentrators, giving healthcare professionals the information they require to more effectively manage therapy and optimise patient outcomes.
During H1 2006, Sphere completed a £6.2m financing (including a £586k investment by Sagentia Group) to strengthen the company's balance sheet, fund the development and production scale-up of the company's microchip-based medical products. Sagentia Group has therefore maintained its equity position in Sphere Medical of 10%.
Subsequently Sphere has announced that Analogic Corporation has been selected to develop and manufacture the monitor for its critical care monitoring system. Analogic has a history of developing world-class patient monitors for leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). In June 2006 Sphere Medical further announced that it had selected AMI Semiconductor for the design and fabrication of the state of the art sensor interface ASIC. AMI Semiconductor is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world.
Sphere commercialised products will be marketed globally through multi-national marketing and distribution agreements. The costs associated with the conditions and complications addressed by its products are in the order of tens of billions of US$ in the Intensive Care Unit alone. With limited alternative solutions currently available, Sphere estimates that the total market addressed by its initial products is around US $2.2 billion a year.