To develop, commercialise integrated diabetes solutions that combine Abbott’s CGM technology with Tandem’s innovative insulin delivery systems to provide more options for people to manage their diabetes
Abbott and Tandem Diabetes Care recently announced that they have finalised an agreement to develop and commercialise integrated diabetes solutions that combine Abbott’s world-leading1 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology with Tandem’s innovative insulin delivery systems to provide more options for people to manage their diabetes. The companies first announced their intention to work together in October 2019, and this resulting agreement covers the technical development of device integration and associated commercial support activities.
“We’re excited to integrate our insulin delivery systems with Abbott’s glucose-sensing technology, and we look forward to expanding options for our customers so that they can combine devices that best suit their personal needs,” said John Sheridan, President and CEO, Tandem Diabetes Care. “We are proud to have an insulin pump capable of remote software updates that can make access to future integrations possible for in-warranty t:slim X2 users at the time of release without requiring a new pump.”
The need for interoperability between diabetes devices is widely recognised. Tandem’s t:slim X2 insulin pump was the first to receive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in a new device category called alternate controller enabled (ACE) infusion pumps in 2019. The special controls for ACE pumps allow for reliable and secure communication with compatible external devices. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system was recently cleared by the FDA for adults and children (four years and older). Through this collaboration, Abbott and Tandem will work to digitally connect their technologies for future automated insulin delivery systems, which will provide people with options to tailor and simplify how they manage their diabetes.2
“Abbott is working with our partners to bring integrated technologies at an affordable price for people with diabetes who rely on using insulin pumps,” said Jared Watkin, Senior Vice-President, Diabetes Care, Abbott. “By combining our glucose sensing technology with Tandem’s proven insulin delivery systems, we will be able to create a cohesive ecosystem for people with diabetes that can fit easily into their daily lives.”
The companies will focus initial commercial activities in the US and Canada with additional geographies considered in the future.
References:
1 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care. Data based on the number of users worldwide for the FreeStyle Libre system compared to the number of users for other leading personal use, sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.
2 The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is currently not indicated for use with automatic insulin delivery systems. Future uses for the FreeStyle Libre 2 System are under development and are subject to FDA clearance.