Rising diabetes rates in India highlight need for accessible treatment innovations

Diabetes has become a significant health issue in India, affecting millions across urban and rural areas. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21 indicates that diabetes is prevalent among adults aged 15 and above, with urban areas showing higher rates than rural ones. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 72.9 million people in India were living with diabetes in 2017, and this figure is projected to reach 134.3 million by 2045.

This rising diabetes burden in India parallels challenges faced in developed countries, which have been managing Type-2 diabetes and obesity for over four decades. Substantial investments are being made in research to develop treatments and potential cures. A new innovation, the ROGUE (Rx On-site Generation Using Electronics) device, is being developed by Rice University in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, Boston University, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, and the Mayo Clinic. Funded by a $34.9 million grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), ROGUE is a bioelectronic implant designed to act as a “living pharmacy,” producing diabetes and obesity therapies directly within the body based on the patient’s needs.

In India, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recognises the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. While GLP-1 receptor agonists have proven effective for diabetes management by enhancing insulin secretion, lowering glucose levels, and assisting with weight loss, their high cost restricts access, particularly for low- and middle-income patients.

The ROGUE device’s capacity to produce medication within the body could address these economic and logistical challenges. Unlike traditional injections, the implant requires weekly recharging through a wearable device, offering a more efficient solution that could improve treatment adherence, a crucial factor in managing chronic diseases.

“The ROGUE device is significant for countries like India as it offers a ‘living pharmacy’ that produces and adjusts diabetes treatments internally, addressing both economic and accessibility challenges in healthcare. This approach could reduce reliance on costly, repeated injections, making advanced diabetes care more accessible and efficient,” said Omid Veiseh, professor of bioengineering at Rice and faculty director of the Rice Biotech Launch Pad.

The ROGUE implant draws on expertise from prestigious institutions. “I am absolutely thrilled by ARPA-H’s strong support for the Rice Biotech Launch Pad’s efforts in accelerating breakthrough bioelectronic technology transition from the bench to the bedside,” said Paul Cherukuri, Rice’s vice president for innovation and chief innovation officer. Through the collaboration of these research centres, the ROGUE project aligns with international standards and is working toward commercialisation. The Rice Biotech Launch Pad is leading efforts in clinical trials, which could make this treatment accessible in India sooner than expected.

Introducing this treatment in India could have significant economic and social impacts. By moving from external, repetitive injections to an internally regulated therapy, healthcare costs may be reduced. This shift would lessen the financial burden on patients and providers, making advanced diabetes treatments more accessible. In rural areas, where limited access to medical facilities impedes effective disease management, the ROGUE device could help overcome logistical barriers and expand access to advanced diabetes care.

“The ROGUE device could significantly reduce healthcare expenses, easing financial pressures on both patients and providers in India. This innovation also holds promise for rural healthcare by addressing logistical challenges and making advanced diabetes treatment more accessible in areas with limited medical facilities,” said Veiseh.

With clinical trials on the horizon, the ROGUE project offers new hope to millions of Indians with diabetes and obesity. Its success could open the door for similar bioelectronic solutions for other chronic conditions, further strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure. For a country facing the challenges of rising diabetes rates and financial constraints, the arrival of this technology offers potential not only for treatment but for transformation in diabetes care.