Insulet (NSDQ:PODD) touted data today from the 1st feasibility study of its Omnipod Horizon hybrid closed-loop system in patients with Type 1 diabetes.  Data from the study showed that the Omnipod automated glucose control algorithm performed well, with minimal hypoglycemia, and that it was safe.

The Billerica, Mass.-based company enrolled 24 patients with Type 1 diabetes in the 36-hour study. The feasibility trial used a modified version of Insulet’s Omnipod, a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor and Insulet’s personalized model predictive control algorithm..

Use of the system was associated with significantly less time spent in hypoglycemic blood glucose range, Insulet reported, compared to ranges prior to the study. The study showed that patients hit the target blood glucose control range 69% of the time over the course of the 36 hours and maintained target blood glucose control 90% of the time overnight.

“These very positive results, particularly in the overnight period, demonstrate the potential for the Omnipod Horizon System to improve clinical outcomes in patients with Type 1 diabetes,” principal investigator Dr. Bruce Buckingham said in prepared remarks. “This is a safe system providing significant reductions in hypoglycemia both during the day and night, and the system made significant improvements in overnight glucose control, decreasing glucose variability and bringing fasting glucose values into range. These are very positive early findings and I think I speak for the entire team when I say I am excited to see how the Horizon system continues to perform in future clinical studies.”

“We are incredibly excited by the early results of this trial, which demonstrated excellent glucose control and tremendous promise to make a significant impact for patients,” president & chief operating officer Shacey Petrovic added. “Omnipod allows our users to feel more confident, and to experience improved quality of life and outcomes, and we are thrilled our Omnipod Horizon System is already demonstrating the ability to continue to make a significant impact on improving the lives of people with diabetes.”

Earlier this week, Insulet said it acquired a manufacturing facility in Acton, Mass. that will allow it to more efficiently manufacture the OmniPod system compared to the company’s manufacturing lines at its contract manufacturer in China.

The company anticipates the new facility will add hundreds of jobs in Massachusetts over the next 5 years, Insulet said, and expects to begin production in 2019.