Swiss medtech company Ypsomed (SWX:YPSN) launched a portable, light-weight insulin pump with seals designed by Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. The pump, mylife YpsoPump, was introduced into the European market today.

Insulin pumps, which continually transport insulin into patients, must have a very precise dosing mechanism. To facilitate a reliable measurement within the pump, there must be as little friction as possible among all the pump drive’s components. However, there must be enough of a seal between components that the device is protected from particles of dirt or water.

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies used a combination of seals and high-performance lubricant from Klüber Lubrication, a member of the Freudenberg Group, to solve this problem. The rod seal within the pump has a smooth, low-friction surface. Using nanotechnology, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies was able to reduce roughness and create even torque progression.

A perfluorinated polyether oil lubricant was used to cut low frictional torque in half. These lubricants are very stable compared to conventional lubricants and are even used in extreme conditions like space flight.

“Without the combination of an innovative sealing solution and the right lubricant, we would not have reached our goal,” René Mathys, who led the development of infusion systems at Ypsomed, said in prepared remarks.

Production the pump has begun in Switzerland and the 1st patients in the Netherlands, the U.K. and Germany have been carrying them for a few months. Each pump is limited to 4 years of use, which amounts to 35,000 hours of operation, according to Freudenberg.