Abbott and Insulet are partnering to integrate Abbott’s blood glucose sensing technology with Insulet’s Omnipod Horizon automated insulin delivery (AID) system.
The collaboration aims to offer personalised, automated insulin delivery to people with diabetes.
The integrated platform will consist of Abbott’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) FreeStyle Libre sensor and Insulet’s tubeless insulin delivery pod.
FreeStyle Libre allows patients to continuously stream glucose data to digitally connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices. When used as a standalone system, users can scan the sensor to see to-the-minute blood glucose readings. They can also view historical trends and patterns, and arrows showing where glucose levels are going without having to use a fingerstick to draw blood. The device needs to be replaced every 14 days.
Glucose data from the FreeStyle Libre sensor will be sent directly to the pod, which is embedded with an algorithm to automatically adjust insulin delivery without the need for an additional device or any connection or tubing. The Pod was designed to optimise patient discretion and convenience, as it is Bluetooth-enabled and able to hold up to 200 units of U-100 insulin.
The Omnipod can administer Novolog, Humalog, Admelog, Apidra and FIASP insulin.
Insulet’s Omnipod DASH mobile app will control the entire system and allow users to self-administer fast-acting insulin via their smartphone.
Abbott senior vice president of diabetes care Jared Watkin said: “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.”
The platform is believed to be the first combined system with a fully disposable wearable sensor and pump.
