Swiss medical device-maker Sensile Medical announced this week that it struck a deal with Verily and Sanofi (NYSE:SNY) to develop and commercialize a connected insulin patch pump.
The pre-filled insulin patch pump will be designed primarily for people with Type II diabetes, according to the Olten, Switzerland-based company.
Each company brings its own unique strength to the partnership, according to Sensile Medical – the deal combines Sanofi’s expertise in insulin, Verily’s experience in digital healthcare tech and Sensile Medical’s skill in developing micro-pump technologies.
“Our goal is to develop a new type of pump technology that is simple to use and appropriate for people with Type II diabetes, as well as by those with Type I diabetes who are the primary users of insulin pumps today,” CEO Derek Brandt said in prepared remarks.
Sanofi and Verily already have an established business relationship. In September 2016, the two companies launched a joint venture, Onduo, in an effort to create virtual clinics for people with diabetes and their caregivers.
“It’s a problem that frankly many companies are trying to address and we think the collective capability of Verily, with their expertise in miniaturized electronics and consumer-facing apps and analytics, combined with Sanofi’s expertise in disease, therapies and understanding how patients and physicians manage diabetes, together can work to develop a novel set of solutions to tackle this epidemic,” Rachel Sha, VP of Sanofi’s digital business development & licensing unit, told Drug Delivery Business News in an interview earlier this year.
