Arecor and Medtronic pump up fight against diabetes

The insulin is for use by Medtronic's Diabetes business in a next-generation implantable pump.

This new-style insulin has the potential to bring significant advancements in the current insulin treatment options for a small population of patients who have limited options for controlling their diabetes with traditional therapy, the collaborators believe.

The partners say the collaboration has the potential to allow for the continued care of these patients with an insulin that may minimise the need for pump maintenance interventions and expand the utility for physicians, whilst saving healthcare costs.

Arecor CEO Sarah Howell, said: “Our leadership in this field has been demonstrated through our best-in-class ultra-rapid acting clinical development programmes (AT278 & AT247).

“Within the diabetes field more broadly we are seeing the rise of innovative delivery devices, including longer-wear and miniaturised pumps that are continually improving treatment options for patients.

“We are excited to play our part in this progress with the development of a highly differentiated insulin with the potential to transform treatment for an extremely vulnerable patient group. This collaboration is one of many we hope to enable, to further enhance the benefits of these next-generation devices.”

Gary Dulak, Senior Director, New Venture Programs Medtronic Diabetes, added: "Medtronic Diabetes is a pioneer in implantable insulin pump systems for people living with type 1 diabetes, who are unable to tolerate conventional therapy that delivers insulin subcutaneously (under the skin).

“With intraperitoneal therapy via an implantable insulin pump system, insulin delivery is targeted for direct absorption by the liver via the implantable pump.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Arecor to explore new ways to develop this critical therapeutic option for the subset of individuals who may benefit from it.”