Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) said today that it plans to shut down its 410-worker Animas insulin pump subsidiary, offering to help some 90,000 Animas patients transfer to products made by rival Medtronic (NYSE:MDT).
The Chesterbrook, Pa.-based company said it will stop making its Animas Vibe and OneTouch Ping pumps, but will continue to provide customer service, training and warranty support during the transition to Medtronic pumps. Sales of the Animas pumps in the U.S. and Canada have already halted, with decision on markets outside the U.S. subject to talks with local authorities, the company said.
“We recognize that patients living with diabetes rely on our products to provide critical care, and we want to reassure them that we will be with them every step of the way throughout this transition,” Animas GM Valerie Asbury said in prepared remarks. “Our number one priority is ensuring patients have a seamless experience as they transition to Medtronic. For over 30 years, Medtronic has been a global leader in the treatment of those living with diabetes, and we are confident they will provide outstanding support to our patients and their healthcare teams.
“We are incredibly grateful to our patients and healthcare partners for the trust, confidence and loyalty they have placed in Animas products over the last 12 years,” Asbury added. “With changing needs of customers, rapidly evolving market dynamics, and increased competitive pressures, it proved too difficult to sustain the insulin pump business and we decided to pursue an exit of the business. This decision was extremely difficult and comes following the extensive exploration of all other viable options for the Animas business.”
J&J said it’s also evaluating another of its diabetes businesses, LifeScan, which makes the OneTouch line of blood glucose monitoring products.
