HLB Lifecare, a subsidiary of HLB Global (003580), announced on the 12th that its personal continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device "Picoling" has received Class 3 medical device approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Picoling, a name combining "Pico" (very small), "Link," and "Ring," is an ultra-compact smart continuous glucose monitor. The device features a sensor smaller than a 100-won coin (2.2cm × 4.2mm) and lighter than a sugar cube (2.16g), designed for comfortable everyday wear.
Once attached, the sensor enables real-time glucose monitoring for up to 15 days without blood draws. Glucose data is automatically transmitted every minute via Bluetooth to the Picoling app installed on the user's smartphone.
Picoling achieves measurement accuracy with a MARD of 8.66%. MARD indicates the difference between measured and actual glucose values, with lower figures representing higher accuracy.
HLB Lifecare has enhanced user convenience by integrating glucose measurement, data analysis, and health management services into its "myPicoling" app. Users can manage everything from glucose monitoring to pattern analysis and lifestyle management on a single platform. The company added that it has also secured price competitiveness to improve user accessibility.
The company plans to expand into various digital healthcare services including personalized diet plans, health supplements, and weight management programs based on glucose data. Its strategy involves combining AI-based digital technology with medical institution cohort data to provide personalized health information, building a data-driven platform business model through B2C commerce and B2B partnerships with insurers and health screening centers.
"While treating patients with diabetes and metabolic diseases, I have always felt the need for tools that enable more convenient and accurate glucose management in daily life," said Ahn Chul-woo, CEO of HLB Lifecare and professor of endocrinology at Gangnam Severance Hospital. "Picoling was born from this concern and will serve as the starting point for an AI digital healthcare platform that creates new value based on personal health data."
HLB Lifecare is conducting a pre-order event for the first 100 customers ahead of Picoling's domestic launch in early April. Pre-order customers will receive a 30% discount off the regular price, with additional coupons available for those who submit reviews after use. Details about the event can be found on the company's website.