The company picked up U.S. Patent 11,817,197 B2 for the stream-lined pairing of a pump to a mobile device. Just last month, it submitted its 90-day MODD1 pump to the FDA for 510(k) clearance.
San Diego-based Modular Medical develops patented insulin delivery technologies, aiming to improve access to glycemic control. Its founder, Paul DiPerna, previously founded leading insulin pump maker Tandem Diabetes Care. DiPerna invented and designed Tandem’s t:slim pump. He also serves as chair and chief technology officer at Modular Medical.
“The issuance of this patent is just another step in our mission to use technology to rethink and simplify the adoption of and ability to live with pump technology for patients and caregivers,” DiPerna said in a news release.
DiPerna said the company added near-field communication to address cybersecurity risks and device pairing complexities. By bringing the phone close to the pump, it creates a secure connection, making it easier to develop, test and maintain. He said the patent protects the company’s technology addressing pairing. It also protects the downloading of patient data, allowing clinicians an easier way to upload and review that data.
More about the Modular Medical insulin pump technology
Modular Medical designed the 90-day MODD1 with new microfluidics technology to allow for the low-cost pumping of insulin. Its new intuitive design makes the product simple to use and easier to prescribe.
The pump has a reservoir size of 300 units/3mL. Users can monitor the pump activity with their cell phone and do not require an external controller. The pump uses a provided, single-use, disposable battery.
DiPerna previously noted that more than 75% of those who could benefit from an insulin pump choose not to wear one. Modular Medical believes its simplified design could encourage “almost-pumpers” to adopt the technology for their diabetes management. Patients could then avoid the complexity and expense required by current solutions.
The company expects initial questions from the FDA surrounding clearance for its pump during the quarter ending June 30, 2024. While it works with the FDA, the company plans to prepare applications to garner marketing approval in the UK. Modular Medical also plans to move its pilot production line to its manufacturing partner to prepare for commercial launch.
This new patent could add another wrinkle to the pump’s utility in the treatment of diabetes.
“The patient’s phone is not required, and a clinician can simply tap the pump to the phone or tablet to pull the data using Bluetooth from patient pumps,” DiPerna added. “In a high-volume practice, such as a busy certified pump trainer’s office, the ability to pull data from several patients quickly is critical. Our patented technology addresses the ability to do this without the tedious step of powering on and pairing with a myriad of new Bluetooth devices. It also simplifies moving the configuration to a new reusable controller, when needed, without using an intermediate device.”
