TAMRON Invests in LTT, a Company Aiming to Commercialize the World’s First Blood Glucose Sensor Without Needles

February 2, 2026 – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shogo Sakuraba; Headquarters: Saitama City, Japan; “TAMRON”), an integrated manufacturer of optics, has invested in Light Touch Technology Inc. (CEO: Koichi Yamakawa; Headquarters: Osaka City, Japan; “LTT”). Using high-brightness mid-infrared laser technology, LTT is developing the world’s first non-invasive blood glucose sensor that does not require a blood sample.

This sensor is based on a high-brightness mid-infrared laser technology created by the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST). LTT has further miniaturized the laser device and improved the laser's brightness much higher. This original technology has paved the way for the needle-free, non-invasive measurement of blood glucose that frees patients from the pain and psychological burden of taking blood samples every day.
The best feature of this technology is that it can painlessly measure blood glucose with high precision in just five seconds. Traditionally, the non-invasive measurement of blood glucose is affected by skin moisture and other factors, making it difficult to ensure precision. Because of the high-brightness laser used in this technology, it is possible to acquire a precise signal not obscured by noise. This ensures a high reliability that complies with the ISO 15197 international standard. In addition, needles and test paper are not needed, so the technology does not generate medical waste, making it environmentally friendly.

A characteristic ability of mid-infrared radiation is that it facilitates the accurate identification of a substance’s molecular fingerprint. However, conventional light sources are not bright enough, which causes data to be lost when light is transmitted. In response, LTT has developed a high-brightness mid-infrared sensor that is smaller than conventional light source, and it has a higher output. It is sufficiently bright and stable, which has opened the way for the instantaneous capturing of detailed component information deep within biological tissue.
While large equipment was previously required to utilize this technology, LTT has pursued and enabled its miniaturization. This technological innovation is expected to make it possible for mid-infrared laser technology to be implemented in society to support people to live healthy lives in the fields of healthcare, the environment and many other areas of industry.