Abbott Partners with Medtronic to Link Glucose Monitors and Insulin Devices

Abbott has announced a groundbreaking global partnership with Medtronic, aimed at developing an integrated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. This new system will leverage Abbott's advanced FreeStyle Libre technology and will be specifically designed to integrate with Medtronic's automated insulin delivery (AID) and smart insulin pen systems. This collaboration marks a significant step in diabetes care, allowing the two companies to combine their expertise in glucose sensing and insulin delivery.

The integration of Abbott's CGM sensor with Medtronic's AID algorithms will enable automatic insulin adjustments, helping users maintain their glucose levels within a healthy range. This sensor will be exclusively compatible with Medtronic devices, and while Abbott will develop the sensor, Medtronic will handle its distribution.

Automated insulin delivery systems are known to enhance health outcomes by reducing the need for constant decision-making for diabetes patients. These systems are beneficial for individuals with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily injections of rapid-acting insulin. The global population using intensive insulin therapy currently exceeds 11 million people.

While the financial terms of this partnership and the timeline for commercial availability have not been disclosed, the collaboration between these two industry leaders promises to simplify diabetes management. Jared Watkin, executive vice president of Abbott's diabetes care business, emphasized that the Libre technology has set a high standard for accurate, accessible, and easy-to-use continuous glucose monitoring. By connecting this technology with Medtronic's insulin delivery systems, users can spend less time managing their diabetes and more time enjoying life.

Que Dallara, executive vice president and president of Medtronic Diabetes, echoed these sentiments. Dallara highlighted the partnership's potential to expand access to Medtronic's advanced automated insulin delivery and smart multiple daily injection (MDI) systems. The collaboration aims to make the transition to automated technology smoother for those seeking to improve their diabetes care.

This alliance with Medtronic is the latest in a series of Abbott partnerships focused on enhancing diabetes care and providing more options for insulin administration. Abbott's Libre CGM technology is already integrated with AID systems from other insulin delivery companies, further demonstrating its versatility and widespread acceptance.

Abbott's Libre systems are currently the world's leading continuous glucose monitoring technology, used by over 6 million people across more than 60 countries. Clinical and real-world data indicate that Libre systems help users improve glucose control, lower HbA1c levels, decrease hospital admissions related to diabetes, and enhance overall quality of life. These systems have received partial or full reimbursement in over 40 countries, showcasing their global impact.

Abbott continues to be a global healthcare leader, offering life-changing technologies in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines. With a workforce of 114,000 across more than 160 countries, Abbott is committed to helping people live fuller lives at every stage.