The VeriChip Corp. has entered into a strategic partnership with the Diabetes Research Institute to further develop a glucose-sensing radio frequency identification microchip.

The work will be done in conjunction with VeriChip's development partner, Receptors, executives said.

Headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., VeriChip has developed the VeriMed Health Link System, designed to identify people who arrive in an emergency room and are unable to communicate.

Officials from both VeriChip and the Diabetes Research Institute said they intend to create a clinical study to address the lack of up-to-date patient health information available to both practitioners caring for diabetic patients and the patients themselves through the use of VeriChip's interoperable personal health record, Health Link, and an electronic medical record system.

"We are pleased to partner with VeriChip on this important initiative to develop a glucose-sensing RFID microchip, which could potentially improve patient care and compliance among individuals with diabetes," said Robert Pearlman, president and CEO of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. "Furthermore, we believe access to a personal health record is vital for all patients, but particularly those with chronic illnesses. Our relationship with VeriChip will enable us to provide that access to our patients and study the utility of Health Link and the role it plays within a larger electronic medical record system."

VeriChip announced in November 2008 that Receptors had completed Phase I of the development of the glucose-sensing RFID microchip, which demonstrated the proof-of-concept foundation of the glucose-sensing system. The companies expect Phase II will demonstrate a glucose concentration response in the presence of blood and interstitial fluid matrix components.