Abbott and\u00a0Tandem Diabetes Care\u00a0announced that they have finalized an agreement to develop and commercialize integrated diabetes solutions that combine Abbott’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology with Tandem’s insulin delivery systems to provide more options for people to manage their diabetes. The companies first announced their intention to work together in\u00a0October 2019, and this resulting agreement covers the technical development of device integration and associated commercial support activities.<\/p>\n
“We’re excited to integrate our insulin delivery systems with Abbott’s glucose-sensing technology, and we look forward to expanding options for our customers so that they can combine devices that best suit their personal needs,” said\u00a0John Sheridan, president and CEO of\u00a0Tandem Diabetes Care. “We are proud to have an insulin pump capable of remote software updates that can make access to future integrations possible for in-warranty t:slim X2 users at the time of release without requiring a new pump.”<\/p>\n
The need for interoperability between diabetes devices is widely recognized. Tandem’s t:slim X2\u2122 insulin pump was the first to receive\u00a0U.S. Food and Drug Administration\u00a0(FDA) clearance in a new device category called alternate controller enabled (ACE) infusion pumps in 2019. The special controls for ACE pumps allow for reliable and secure communication with compatible external devices. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system was recently cleared by the FDA for adults and children (4 years and older). Through this collaboration, Abbott and Tandem will work to digitally connect their technologies for future automated insulin delivery systems, which will provide people with options to tailor and simplify how they manage their diabetes.<\/p>\n
“Abbott is working with our partners to bring integrated technologies at an affordable price for people with diabetes who rely on using insulin pumps,” said\u00a0Jared Watkin, senior vice president, Diabetes Care, Abbott. “By combining our glucose sensing technology with Tandem’s proven insulin delivery systems, we will be able to create\u00a0a cohesive ecosystem for people with diabetes that can fit easily into their daily lives.”<\/p>\n
The companies will focus initial commercial activities in the\u00a0U.S.\u00a0and\u00a0Canada\u00a0with additional geographies considered in the future.<\/p>\n