Medtronic, Tidepool ink deal for interoperable, automated insulin pump

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) and nonprofit org Tidepool announced last week that the groups will work together to develop an interoperable, automated insulin delivery system.

The medtech giant reported that it plans to build a Bluetooth-enabled MiniMed pump that is compatible with Tidepool’s Loop app, an open-source app for automated insulin delivery.

Both companies plan to work together to win FDA approvals for the Tidepool Loop app and the compatible MiniMed pump. Medtronic reported that it plans to pursue integrated continuous glucose monitoring classification for its Guardian Sensor 3 and alternate controller enabled pump classification for the Bluetooth-enabled MiniMed device.

“We have been listening and engaging with the diabetes community to understand what is important to them. We recognize that collaboration with Tidepool is a way to further drive industry innovation,” Ali Dianaty, VP of R&D for Medtronic’s diabetes unit, said in prepared remarks. “Working with Tidepool and supporting interoperability, we can increase the options available for people with diabetes to manage their condition as they seek out solutions that help them achieve better health and improve quality of life.”

“We think that Medtronic is making a very bold and important move here that shows tremendous courage and is the absolutely right thing for the diabetes community,” Tidepool’s CEO Howard Look added. “Medtronic makes incredibly robust and reliable pump hardware, and they have extensive marketing, sales, and support organizations for people with diabetes and for healthcare providers. This network can help bring closed-loop systems to more people living with diabetes.”