Medtronic has secured FDA clearance for its updated InPen smart insulin pen application, which now features the capability to recommend corrections for missed or inaccurate insulin doses taken at mealtime. This clearance is a significant step forward for Medtronic, enabling the launch of its Smart MDI (Multiple Daily Injections) system, which integrates the InPen with the Simplera continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The Smart MDI system aims to provide real-time, personalized insights into insulin dosing for individuals who rely on multiple daily injections, potentially improving glycemic control and reducing the burden of diabetes management.
The InPen is a reusable smart insulin pen that transmits dosing information to a user-friendly app, offering dose calculations and tracking functionalities to streamline diabetes management. The updated InPen app is designed to alert users about missed insulin dosages, which helps in minimizing hyperglycemic events. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle with adherence to their insulin regimen.
Simplera, Medtronic’s first disposable CGM, is approximately half the size of its predecessor models. It received FDA approval in August and is a crucial component of the Smart MDI system. CEO Geoff Martha mentioned in an earnings call that the Simplera Sync sensor, which is designed to work with Medtronic’s automated insulin delivery algorithm, is experiencing strong adoption in international markets. The Simplera Sync is currently under separate FDA review.
The integration of InPen with Simplera CGM in the Smart MDI system marks a significant advancement in diabetes technology. Medtronic plans to initiate a limited market release of the Smart MDI system, focusing initially on existing standalone CGM and InPen users, followed by a broader commercial launch. This phased approach will allow Medtronic to gather real-world data and optimize the system before making it widely available.
