The first half of January 2024 has already seen numerous pieces of news and updates related to diabetes technology, specifically as it pertains to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems.

In this episode of Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives, hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, program director of Diabetes Technology at University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, discuss the updates from Abbott, Dexcom, and Medtronic.

Updates in CGM

Abbott

On January 08, 2024, Abbott announced the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor is now available for the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump users, which allows the Tandem’s Control-IQ hybrid closed-loop technology to integrate with the only 15-day CGM sensor available in the US for children and adults.

A modified version of the FreeStyle Libre 2, the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2023 for use with AID systems. All in-warranty t:slim X2 users are being offered the option to add the new FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor integration at no cost via remote software update. According to the January 08, 2024 announcement, the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor is available now at participating durable medical equipment and a list of participating suppliers is available through Abbott Customer Care Team.

Dexcom

During a quarterly earnings report on January 08, 2024, Dexcom announced it had submitted an application to the US FDA during Q4 2023 for a new glucose sensor: Stelo.

A glucose sensor developed for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin, Dexcom expects to launch the product in Summer 2024. According to Dexcom, Stelo will offer 15-day sensor wear, a cash-pay option, and a software experience tailored specifically for non-insulin users.

Medtronic

On January 08, 2024, Medtronic announced the MiniMed 780G system with Simplera Sync had received CE Mark approval. A disposable, all-in-one, CGM with no requirement for fingersticks or overtake, the Simplera Sync is billed as being half the size of previous Medtronic sensors and features a 2-step insertion process.

According to Medtronic, availability of the system is expected in Europe via a limited release in Spring 2024, with a phased commercial launch in Europe planned for Summer 2024. Medtronic also noted the MiniMed 780G system with Simplera Sync sensor is indicated for ages 7 years and older and compatible with iOS and Android. Additionally, the company underlined the Simplera Sync sensor, which is designed to have a similar look and feel as the Simplera sensor, is not approved by the FDA and is limited to investigational use in the US.

Relevant disclosures for Dr. Isaacs include Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Abbott Diabetes Care, Dexcom, Medtronic, and others. Relevant disclosures for Dr. Bellini include Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Provention Bio, and others.

References:

1. Abbott. Tandem Diabetes Care’s t:slim X2TM Insulin Pump is the first automated insulin delivery system to integrate with Abbott’s new Freestyle Libre® 2 Plus Sensor. Abbott MediaRoom. January 8, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2024-01-08-Tandem-Diabetes-Cares-t-slim-X2-Insulin-Pump-is-the-First-Automated-Insulin-Delivery-System-to-Integrate-with-Abbotts-New-FreeStyle-Libre-2-Plus-Sensor.
2. Dexcom. Dexcom reports preliminary, unaudited revenue for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 and initial 2024 outlook. Yahoo! Finance. January 8, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dexcom-reports-preliminary-unaudited-revenue-130000040.html.
3. Medtronic. Medtronic Diabetes Announces World’s first approval for MiniMedTM 780G system with Simplera SyncTM disposable, all-in-one sensor. Medtronic News. January 8, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://news.medtronic.com/2024-01-08-Medtronic-Diabetes-announces-worlds-first-approval-for-MiniMed-TM-780G-System-with-Simplera-Sync-TM-disposable,-all-in-one-sensor.