Innovation is more than just creating something new—it’s about solving real problems that affect people’s daily lives. Glen Travers understands this better than most. As the Co-founder of Diabetology Ltd, he’s not only developing new technologies but reshaping the way we approach diabetes treatment, impacting millions across the globe.
At the heart of his work is a simple yet revolutionary idea: why should managing diabetes be painful, complicated, and risky? By pioneering an oral insulin delivery system, Glen is making strides toward treatments that are safer, simpler, and more effective—especially for those living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
From Finance to Healthcare Innovation
Glen’s path to transforming diabetes care wasn’t a straight line. He began his career in finance, co-founding an equity bank that gave him the tools and resources to explore other passions. It wasn’t long before his curiosity for science and medicine took center stage.
His early ventures in healthcare were groundbreaking. He collaborated on projects that led to one of the first point-of-care diagnostics for gastric ulcers—based on the discovery by two future Nobel laureates. This breakthrough allowed rapid detection of Helicobacter pylori, enabling cures with a simple treatment regimen. Later, he developed the world’s first oral therapeutic vaccine for chronic bronchitis, which was acquired by a major pharmaceutical company.
These successes taught Glen a valuable lesson: scientific breakthroughs only matter if they’re translated into real-world solutions that patients can access.
Tackling a Global Challenge
Diabetes stood out as one of the biggest unmet needs in healthcare. While insulin had long been manufactured using recombinant technology, it still required injections that were inconvenient and often dangerous. Glen and his co-founder, Dr. Roger New, saw this as a challenge worth solving.
“We knew insulin injections weren’t ideal,” Glen recalls. “There had to be a better way—a method that could target the liver directly and reduce the risk of complications.”
The vision was bold: an oral insulin formulation that mimics the body’s natural delivery process. The industry consensus was clear—oral insulin was impossible. But that only strengthened Glen’s resolve.
The Birth of Diabetology Ltd
With a steadfast commitment to innovation, Glen and Dr. New founded Diabetology Ltd. Their mission? To create a safe, effective oral insulin capsule that could be absorbed in the intestine and transported to the liver via the portal vein.
The result was Axcess, a breakthrough formulation designed to overcome the barriers that had prevented oral delivery of macromolecules like insulin. After years of rigorous testing, the team’s findings were validated in peer-reviewed journals, marking a major milestone in diabetes care.
What’s remarkable is that this innovation wasn’t funded by big pharmaceutical giants. Instead, Glen and his team privately financed the research from discovery to clinical trials—a rare feat in an industry heavily reliant on large-scale investment.
Beyond Insulin: A Platform for Metabolic Health
Glen’s vision didn’t stop at insulin. The same technology holds promise for other treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists used for diabetes and obesity. By delivering these molecules through the gut, the therapy could trigger natural satiety signals, enhance glucose control, and minimize side effects often associated with injectable drugs.
“Targeting the gut leverages the body’s own biology,” Glen explains. “It’s a smarter way to help patients achieve better outcomes without unnecessary risks.”
This platform approach opens doors to treating a range of metabolic conditions, further solidifying Diabetology’s role as a pioneer in healthcare innovation.
Overcoming Skepticism, One Step at a Time
Throughout his career, Glen has faced doubts and skepticism at every turn. From the initial disbelief that stomach ulcers could be caused by bacteria, to the boldness of oral vaccines and insulin treatments, his journey has been one of persistence.
“Our greatest breakthroughs came not just from innovation, but from the determination to challenge assumptions,” he reflects.
By staying focused on long-term impact, building partnerships, and consistently delivering results, Glen has proven that persistence and vision can overcome even the most entrenched barriers.
Leading Through Collaboration
What sets Glen apart is his collaborative leadership style. He believes innovation thrives in environments where people feel empowered to contribute. At Diabetology, this means creating a culture where every team member, partner, and expert shares in the mission.
“We were tackling something that many thought couldn’t be done,” Glen says. “That inspired people to join us—they wanted to be part of something bigger.”
His partnership with Dr. New exemplifies this spirit. Their complementary expertise has been essential in turning ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.
A Future Without Limits
Looking ahead, Glen’s vision extends far beyond diabetes. He imagines a world where treatments are not only more effective but also personalized, accessible, and less invasive.
“We aim to help people around the world live healthier lives through targeted delivery systems,” he says. “Whether it’s diabetes, obesity, or other chronic conditions, we want to offer treatments that empower—not burden—patients.”
With ongoing research into reversing early-stage Type 2 diabetes and improving safety for Type 1 patients, Glen is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare.
Changing How We Think About Care
Glen Travers’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. By daring to challenge outdated practices, building solutions from the ground up, and staying true to his mission, he’s transforming not just diabetes care—but how healthcare itself is approached.
His journey reminds us that true innovation isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about solving real problems with compassion, science, and relentless perseverance. And through Diabetology Ltd, Glen is helping millions live better, fuller lives—one breakthrough at a time.