Beta Bionics has announced the launch of its iLet bionic pancreas integrated with Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This integration marks the first available automated insulin delivery (AID) system in the U.S. to work with the Libre 3 Plus, offering a simplified approach to diabetes management for patients and physicians.
The iLet system, which received FDA clearance in May 2023, is designed to alleviate the burden of diabetes management by automating insulin delivery. Users of the iLet system can initiate the "bionic" mode, which eliminates the need for carb counting or manual insulin correction calculations. The system determines 100% of insulin doses throughout the day, requiring only the user's weight as an initial input.
Streamlining Insulin Delivery with Advanced Technology
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM, the latest generation CGM designed for insulin pump integration, provides glucose readings every minute. These frequent readings enable the iLet system to calculate precise insulin doses, adapting to the user's individual needs in real-time. Sean Saint, CEO of Beta Bionics, emphasized the company's commitment to rapidly enhancing its user base, citing the recent launch of the Bionic Circle remote monitoring app and updates to the iLet app as further improvements to diabetes management.
The iLet system utilizes an adaptive, closed-loop algorithm that initializes with the user's body weight, removing the need for additional insulin dosing parameters. This eliminates the need for healthcare providers to determine correction factors, insulin-to-carb ratios, or pre-set basal rates. The system simplifies mealtime management with a meal announcement feature, allowing users to estimate the amount of carbs in their meals, which the algorithm learns to respond to over time.
Expanding Access and Remote Monitoring
Beta Bionics reported reaching 10,000 patients using its system in August. The integration with Abbott offers a new avenue for managing type 1 diabetes, with both companies selling through the pharmacy channel, enabling users to obtain supplies through a pay-as-you-go model. iLet and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus are also available through durable medical equipment providers.
Beta Bionics also offers the Bionic Circle App, enabling users to invite up to 10 friends and family members to remotely monitor CGM values and insulin doses. Bionic Circle members can receive alerts and view a user's glucose levels, meal announcements, insulin doses, and trends.
iLet users can now update their app and software to choose between integrated CGMs, selecting either Libre 3 Plus or Dexcom CGMs.
Abbott's Continued Push in Automated Insulin Delivery
Abbott continues to expand its presence in the automated insulin delivery space. The company recently paired its FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus with Insulet’s Omnipod 5 in Europe and announced compatibility with the Tandem Diabetes Care t:slim X2 system in January. Abbott also partnered with Medtronic in August to develop CGMs specifically for Medtronic's insulin delivery systems.
