Drug Delivery Business

Medtronic, Arecor team up to develop insulin for implantable pumps

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Medtronic Arecor insulin development partnershipArecor and Medtronic say they partnered to create a new type of insulin that would allow for the use of new insulin pump designs.

These new insulin pumps in mind would sit under the skin, rather than on the surface of the skin. The research collaboration aims to develop a novel, high-concentration, thermostable insulin for use by Medtronic in a next-generation pump. A new insulin of this kind could minimize the need for pump maintenance interventions and expand utility for physicians while saving costs.

Arecor and Medtronic’s new insulin remains at an early stage in development and would still require clinical trials.

Gary Dulak, senior director of new venture programs at Medtronic Diabetes explained the potential difference made by the new type of insulin delivered by an implantable pump:

“Medtronic Diabetes is a pioneer in implantable insulin pump systems for people living with type 1 diabetes, who are unable to tolerate conventional therapy that delivers insulin subcutaneously (under the skin),” Dulak said. “With an implantable insulin pump system, insulin delivery is targeted for direct absorption by the liver via the implantable pump. We are pleased to collaborate with Arecor to explore new ways to develop this critical therapeutic option for the subset of individuals who may benefit from it.”

Arecor CEO Sarah Howell highlighted the rise of insulin delivery devices in the diabetes space. That extends to longer-wear devices, as well as miniaturized pumps. A new implantable pump from Medtronic with an enhanced insulin for delivery could mark another key development on that front.

“We are excited to play our part in this progress with the development of a highly differentiated insulin with the potential to transform treatment for an extremely vulnerable patient group,” Howell said. “This collaboration is one of many we hope to enable, to further enhance the benefits of these next-generation devices.”

Arecor has an existing partnership wtih JDRF to accelerate the development of different insulin offerings as well.

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About Sean Whooley

Sean Whooley is an associate editor who mainly produces work for MassDevice, Medical Design & Outsourcing and Drug Delivery Business News. He received a bachelor's degree in multiplatform journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or email him at [email protected].