Medtronic begins full commercial rollout of MiniMed 780G with Instinct sensor made by Abbott

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) today announced the full U.S. launch for its Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, paired with the MiniMed 780G pump.

The medtech giant’s diabetes unit — one of the largest diabetes tech businesses in the world — won FDA clearance for its SmartGuard algorithm as an interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC) earlier this year, enabling integration with the sensor made by Abbott, designed specifically through a collaboration between the companies agreed last year. In September, they began taking orders for the integrated system.

Now, Medtronic (soon to be MiniMed after a planned business separation) has begun shipping the system to customers in the U.S. The latest milestone for the company’s diabetes business comes as it continues to plan for next-generation technologies, including new insulin pumps, as well as its existing continuous glucose monitor (CGM) offerings, the Simplera Sync and Guardian 4, offered in addition to the Instinct sensor.

Learn more about Medtronic and the rest of the diabetes space by downloading our free Diabetes Technology Special Report.

Abbott based the Instinct sensor on its most advanced FreeStyle Libre technology. Medtronic touts it as the world’s smallest, thinnest, most discreet sensor, with a wear time of up to 15 days. Alongside Dexcom’s G7 15 Day CGM, it’s the longest-lasting wearable CGM available.

When paired with MiniMed 780G, Medtronic’s latest-generation automated insulin delivery system, Instinct provides real-time glucose readings, helping the pump automate insulin adjustments every five minutes. The system also offers meal detection technology and provides automatic adjustments and corrections to sugar levels every five minutes. This occurs for both basal (background) and bolus (mealtime) insulin needs.

“This milestone marks an important next step in our work to bring the proven clinical outcomes of our MiniMed 780G system to more people living with diabetes,” said Que Dallara, EVP and president of Medtronic Diabetes and CEO-designate of MiniMed. “With this launch, we’re expanding a smart dosing ecosystem built for choice, so every person can find a solution that fits their life. We exist to make life with diabetes easier and more predictable, so people living with diabetes can enjoy greater freedom and better health every day. Our goal is to deliver confidence and peace of mind, so everyone—including loved ones—can live boldly without compromise.”