Abbott to Create Diabetes Management Solutions with Tandem

June 30, 2020 - Abbott  and Tandem Diabetes Care (NASDAQ:TNDM) recently announced a finalized agreement to develop and commercialize integrated diabetes management solutions to improve care for patients living with the chronic disease.

The companies first announced their intention to work together in October 2019. The resulting agreement focuses on the technical development of device integration and associated commercial support activities.

Abbott’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology and Tandem’s insulin delivery systems will provide more options for diabetic patients.

"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," John Sheridan, president and CEO of Tandem Diabetes Care, said in the announcement.

"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."

In December 2019, Tandem’s t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology received FDA clearance in a new device category called the alternate controller enabled (ACE) infusion pumps.

ACE aims to provide reliable and secure communication with external devices.

Control-IQ technology is the first and only system cleared to deliver automatic correction boluses in addition to adjusting insulin to help prevent high and low blood sugar.

The t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology uses CGM values, along with other factors such as insulin on board, to predict sensor glucose levels 30 minutes ahead and adjust insulin delivery accordingly, Tandem said.

FDA also recently cleared Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system, which is intended for adults and children four years and older.  

Using Bluetooth technology, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system automatically alerts users when their glucose is high or low without needing to scan the sensor. Users also have the option of turning off the customizable, real-time alarms.

FreeStyle Libre has received partial or full reimbursement system in 36 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US.

Abbott’s collaboration with Tandem will digitally connect individual technologies for future automated insulin delivery systems, which will provide people with options to tailor and simplify how they manage their diabetes.

"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, of diabetes care at 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.

Back in 2018, FDA approved the first AID system that automatically monitors glucose and provides necessary basal insulin doses with virtually no input from the patient.

An AID system, also called various names such as artificial pancreas, hybrid closed loop, and predictive low glucose suspend, all continuous glucose monitors and smart algorithms that automatically adjust insulin delivery via pump.

The goal is to eliminate hypoglycemia, improve time in range, and reduce hyperglycemia.  

The MiniMed hybrid closed looped system is a diabetes management device that measures glucose levels in the body every five minutes and automatically adjusts insulin delivery by either administering or withholding insulin.

The system includes a sensor that attaches to the body to measure glucose levels under the skin, an insulin pump strapped to the body, and an infusion patch connected to the pump with a catheter that delivers insulin, FDA stated.