The global market for connected insulin pens could be worth up to $123 million by 2023, according to a report published this year by Research & Markets.
Insulin pens, designed for people who control their diabetes with multiple daily injections instead of a pump or wearable patch, are portable devices that were first introduced in 1985 with Novo Nordisk‘s (NYSE:NVO) NovoPen. Since then, technology has evolved to allow users to track their insulin usage, set reminders and alarms, as well as share their data with caregivers and doctors. Here’s a look at some of the key players shaping the future of connected insulin pens.
Companion Medical
Companion Medical‘s InPen smart insulin delivery system is a Bluetooth-enabled pen injector designed to be combined with the company’s health management app.
The system includes an integrated dose calculator and displays the user’s blood glucose, active insulin and last insulin dose. Users can set reminders for their next dose of insulin.
The InPen system also warns users if the insulin has expired or if it has been stored outside of recommended temperature ranges, according to the company. Companion Medical’s smart pen has 510(k) clearance from the FDA and is now commercially available in the U.S.
Eli Lilly
Although Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) is best known for manufacturing insulin, the company is actively testing its own device as part of its Connected Diabetes Ecosystem.
In December last year, the company announced that it dosed the first patient in a trial of its automated insulin delivery system, which combines a connected insulin pump, a dosing algorithm and Dexcom‘s (NSDQ:DXCM) continuous glucose monitor.
The insulin-maker is developing two platforms for its Connected Diabetes Ecosystem – an automated insulin delivery system and an integrated insulin management system. The latter combines a connected insulin pen with glucose-sensing tech and software to create personalized insulin dose recommendations.
Both systems are in development and are slated to enter clinical trials for people with Type I and Type II diabetes within the coming months, Lilly reported.
Contingent upon FDA approval, Lilly expects that these technologies will reach the market in two to three years.
Digital Medics
This company sells its SmartPlus digital insulin pen and mobile management app in New Zealand and Australia. Digital Medics‘ system records the user’s previous 195 insulin doses, within 60 days, including the date, time and amount of insulin injected.
The SmartPlus pen and mobile app provide a weekly and monthly trend analysis for users, as well as built-in alarms to warn the user of a blocked injection or low residual insulin.
The system also allows users to email insulin-use reports to caregivers or doctors.
Novo Nordisk
A lot has changed since Novo Nordisk launched its NovoPen device in 1985. The latest version of its NovoPen product line, NovoPen Echo, includes a memory function to record the dose and time of a user’s last injection, as well as the option to give a half-unit dose of insulin.
In January last year, Novo Nordisk signaled a move into the world of digital diabetes management, inking a deal with apps-maker Glooko. The pair later revealed an app, Cornerstones4Care, that integrates exercise and blood glucose data from available devices. The company has not yet disclosed if a next-gen version of its insulin pen will include a digital component to pair with its Glooko-inspired app.
Diamesco
This Koreo-based company has developed Pendiq, a digital insulin pen that can store a user’s last 1000 injections with the associated date, time and dose.
The Bluetooth-enabled system is capable of dosing down to 0.1-unit amounts and delivers insulin using a motor-driven injection. Diamesco‘s device has CE Mark clearance in the European Union.
The system, which can be paired with an app, includes a low-battery alarm, as well as a warning when the needle is blocked or the device is running low on residual insulin.