- Abbott and Insulet Corporation announced they are partnering to integrate glucose sensing technology with Insulet’s tubeless system
Abbott and Insulet Corporation — a global leader in tubeless insulin pump technology with its Omnipod Insulin Management System (Omnipod System) — announced they are partnering to integrate Abbott’s world-leading glucose sensing technology with Insulet’s next-generation tubeless system, the Omnipod Horizon Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) System (Omnipod Horizon System) to offer personalized automated insulin delivery and care for people living with diabetes.
This unique feature — which is controlled through an app on a user’s personal smartphone device — will be offered with the Omnipod Horizon System. And the integrated platform will consist of the trusted tubeless insulin delivery Pod and Abbott’s next-generation FreeStyle Libre sensor. With a simple and intuitive design, glucose data from the sensor will be sent directly to the Pod that is embedded with an algorithm to automatically adjust insulin delivery — without the need for an additional device, connection or tubing.
Plus the integrated system will be designed to always remain in automated insulin delivery mode and can be controlled through an app on a user’s personal smartphone to manually take a dose of fast-acting insulin, or bolus, before meals for optimal performance. And the integrated platform is expected to be the first combined system with a fully disposable wearable sensor and pump.
This connected care solution will integrate both the Omnipod Horizon System and FreeStyle Libre sensor data and it offers a seamless option that will fit easily into the lives of people with diabetes. With both Insulet’s and Abbott’s ability to sell its products through the pharmacy, users of the integrated platform will benefit from the ease of obtaining supplies with an innovative pay-as-you-go model.
Abbott’s next-generation continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, is currently approved in Europe and offers enhanced accuracy and optional glucose alarms at no additional cost from the first-generation FreeStyle Libre system. And the FreeStyle Libre 2 system can continuously stream up-to-the-minute glucose data to digitally connected devices. While used as a standalone system, users scan the sensor worn on the back of the upper arm for 14 days to see real-time glucose levels every minute, historical trends and patterns, and arrows showing where glucose levels are going without having to fingerstick.
Expanding upon the current Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System, Insulet has developed and is currently in clinical trials for its Omnipod Horizon AID System. And the intended design of the technology is to leverage glucose values from a CGM to predict future glucose values and adjust insulin delivery. The Horizon System will utilize the technology of the DASH Insulin Management System on a user’s personal smartphone.
Insulet’s Omnipod DASH System was built to serve as the foundation for the company’s future innovation. Designed with patient discretion and convenience in mind, the Omnipod DASH is a continuous insulin delivery system consisting of two simple components: a tubeless, waterproof, Bluetooth wireless technology Pod (pump) that holds up to 200 units of U-100 insulin and a modern, color touch-screen Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) that controls the Pod.
The Omnipod DASH System has a suite of optional mobile apps for users, caregivers, and healthcare practitioners to help simplify diabetes management. And the Omnipod DASH System — which received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance in June 2018 — is the only DTSec and ISO 27001 certified insulin pump for cyber and information security and safety.
Key Quotes:
“Abbott is focused on creating future-forward health technologies that simplify how people living with diabetes manage their condition so they can live their best lives. As diabetes care becomes more interoperable, we’re developing more connected approaches to improve care. Through this partnership, Abbott and Insulet will offer an integrated digital health platform that is simple and accurate and will provide a best-in-class user experience.”
– Jared Watkin, senior vice president, Diabetes Care at Abbott
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Abbott by building on our consumer-centric Omnipod Horizon platform, which offers unparalleled simplicity, accuracy, and now sensor choice for consumers. As interoperability becomes increasingly important, our approach to automated insulin delivery will change the future of blood glucose management by offering consumers greater choice in algorithms, sensors and overall experience. This collaboration furthers our shared vision to help our consumers put diabetes in the background, so they have more freedom to enjoy life.”
– Shacey Petrovic, President and Chief Executive Officer at Insulet
