Headquartered in Milpitas, California, USA, Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) LifeScan franchise is a leader in hand-held, electronic blood glucose monitoring systems and test strips for people with diabetes to use in the home or for bedside monitoring in hospitals. The company has manufacturing facilities in the US, Puerto Rico and the UK, and around 2,500 employees.

LifeScan pioneered blood glucose monitoring with the introduction of OneTouch Technology which eliminated wiping and timing procedures. The OneTouch product line now includes blood glucose meters, test strips, lancing devices and diabetes management software. LifeScan enhanced its blood glucose monitoring line during 2007 with the launch of the OneTouch UltraMini/UltraEasy Colours device, while its OneTouch Select meter has also recently received FDA approval.

J&J's diabetes care operations were expanded in February 2006 through the acquisition of Animas, an insulin delivery company. Following the transaction, Animas operates as a standalone entity reporting through LifeScan. Animas has its headquarters, R&D and manufacturing operations in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA. The Animas acquisition gave LifeScan immediate entry into the fast-growing insulin delivery pump market. The combination of Animas' insulin delivery systems and LifeScan's glucose monitoring systems allow the company to offer more comprehensive disease management solutions for patients.

From 1st January 2008, J&J's diabetes business will become part of J&J's Comprehensive Care Group, which will also include Cordis, J&J Vision Care and Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics. This move was announced in November 2007 and is part of efforts to accelerate growth. A series of organisational changes will be implemented, including the creation of a strategy to sharpen J&J's focus on opportunities outside its traditional areas of interest and in growing markets, as well as the creation of two new operating groups. The changes are designed to build on J&J's broad base of businesses and decentralised structure. The new structure is intended to help J&J capitalise on the convergence of science, technology and services, using its expertise across its pharmaceutical, biologics, devices, diagnostics and consumer businesses to bring new products to market. The company believes it can accelerate growth through a focus on the intersection of its existing capabilities, customer needs and emerging trends.

The Comprehensive Care Group aims to create portfolios to address some of the most chronic and pervasive conditions such as metabolic disorders through the convergence of technologies, products and services. Donald M Casey, Jr, currently Company Group Chairman for the Diabetes franchise that includes LifeScan and Animas, will assume the role of Worldwide Chairman of Comprehensive Care and will become a member of J&J's executive committee.