NewNowNext January/February, 2008

CGM + pump technology: integrated we stand (in our target zone)

Animas and Omnipod pumps to be integrated with DexCom SEVEN

For those of you who have been waiting for more options for combination insulin pumps/continuous monitors, some promising products are on the horizon.

In January, 2008, DexCom announced partnerships with two pump manufacturers - Animas, maker of the 2020 insulin pump and Insulet, maker of the OmniPod. Both Animas and Insulet will be working over the next 12-24 months to develop insulin pumps that incorporate DexCom’s continuous monitor – we think this will drive even faster innovation in both fields and we are excited by the prospect of making continuous monitoring easier. In the new products, continuous readings will be available through the 2020 and OmniPod screens.

We expect these devices to set the tone for future innovation in the CGM/pump marketplace, as they should improve information for patients about their glucose level trends, which should enable them to make faster and potentially better-informed changes – through insulin doses, carb intake, or exercise. We remain optimistic, and wait eagerly for more news on these products’ development – we’ll be watching to see which one becomes available first as both are expected in the 2009-2010 time frame. For more information about DexCom, Animas, Insulet, you can visit their websites, at www.dexcom.com, www.myomnipod.com, and www.animascorp.com.

SymlinPen – companion to mealtime insulin gets a face lift.

Do you take Symlin? Have you had enough of your cumbersome syringe and vial and want to use something more convenient? The SymlinPen might just be the right for you. This new pen-injector device has fixed dosing that delivers the drug Symlin, which is used with mealtime insulin to control blood sugar. The pen is very convenient in terms of dosing and application, and it is also quite portable and easier to take for patients "on the go." We were able to put our hands on one of the first pens available in California, so check out this issue's Test Drive for diaTribe Editor Kelly Close's take on the SymlinPen. Overall, we believe that the pen is a useful new device for patients, although the drug is a bit complicated to learn – we recommend doing so with a continuous monitor if you can! Nausea is still a temporary side effect, whether Symlin is taken with pen or by syringe. We believe that the SymlinPen has significant potential to make life more convenient. As always, please talk to your healthcare provider if you are thinking about changing your diabetes drug regimen in any way. You can check out www.symlin.com to learn more about the drug.