Abbott, Tandem Diabetes Care explore integrated solutions to improve diabetes management

New Delhi: Abbott and Tandem Diabetes Care recently announced that they intend to develop and commercialize integrated diabetes solutions that combine Abbott's glucose-sensing technology with Tandem's innovative insulin delivery systems to provide more options for people to manage their diabetes.

Commenting on the same, Jared Watkin, senior vice president, Diabetes Care, Abbott said, "To help customers fully realize the potential of the latest advancements in diabetes technology, we're ensuring our products have interoperability, creating a cohesive ecosystem where people with diabetes can manage their condition across devices from us and other companies seamlessly," said

"By bringing together Abbott's and Tandem's leadership and expertise, we can provide new ways for people to manage their diabetes that are impactful and can integrate easily into their daily lives, especially people who rely on insulin pumps, "John added.

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The need for interoperability between diabetes devices is widely recognized in the industry. Tandem's t:slim X2 insulin pump was the first to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in a new device category called alternate controller enabled (ACE) infusion pumps earlier this year. The special controls for ACE pumps allow for reliable and secure communication with compatible external devices like Abbott's next-generation FreeStyle Libre system, which would give people with diabetes the ability to select tools and tailor their diabetes management to best meet their needs. Abbott and Tandem are currently in discussions regarding a final agreement for the technical implementation of device integration and associated commercial support activities.

The t:slim X2 pump was the first insulin pump classified by the FDA in a new device category called alternate controller enabled (ACE) infusion pumps⁴ and the first system approved as compatible with interoperable continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) devices. The system includes advanced features like a large colour touchscreen, rechargeable battery, Bluetooth wireless technology, USB connectivity and watertight construction (IPX7). It is capable of remote software updates using a personal computer, offering the potential for in-warranty users to access new features as they become available.

"The FDA's new interoperable designations for the various components of automated insulin delivery systems are making integrations of advanced technologies more straightforward, and we are looking forward to exploring these possibilities with Abbott," said John Sheridan, president and CEO of Tandem Diabetes Care.

"Our companies share a fierce dedication to helping expand the available treatment options for the diabetes community so that more people can experience the benefits of automated insulin delivery systems, using a combination of devices they feel best meets their individual needs."

Abbott, in its recent release, stated that this announcement reflects both Abbott's and Tandem's common goal to provide people with new ways to manage their diabetes that can integrate easily into their daily lives.

Abbott's FreeStyle Libre, the sensor-based glucose monitoring system used worldwide, reads glucose levels through a sensor that can be worn on the back of the upper arm eliminating the need for fingersticks. FreeStyle Libre has changed the lives of more than 1.5 million people across 46 countries and has secured partial or full reimbursement in 34 countries, including Canada, France, Ireland, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.

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