Abbott, Medtronic partner on diabetes system

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. – Abbott will enter a global partnership with Medtronic to collaborate on an integrated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system based on Abbott's FreeStyle Libre technology and Medtronic's automated insulin delivery (AID) and smart insulin pen systems. 

The integration of Abbott's CGM sensor with Medtronic's AID algorithms will enable automatic adjustments of insulin to keep glucose in range, the companies say. 

"This partnership pairs two global leaders in glucose sensing technology and insulin delivery," said Jared Watkin, executive vice president of Abbott's diabetes care business. "Libre technology has set the standard for accurate, accessible, easy-to-use and reliable continuous glucose monitoring. Connecting this CGM built for Medtronic's insulin delivery systems and algorithms makes it easier for people to spend less time thinking about their diabetes and more time living." 

The CGM sensor, designed to work exclusively with Medtronic devices, will be developed by Abbott and sold by Medtronic. 

The companies believe AID systems improve health outcomes while reducing the burden of constant decision-making for people with diabetes who use intensive insulin as part of their overall therapy. They can benefit people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily injections of rapid-acting insulin, currently estimated at more than 11 million people globally. 

"Our partnership with Abbott allows us to expand access to our advanced automated insulin delivery and smart MDI systems that deliver best-in-class outcomes with the most widely used CGM in the world," said Que Dallara, executive vice president and president, Medtronic Diabetes. "We're committed to simplifying diabetes management and making the transition to automated technology much more seamless for those who wish to achieve more with their diabetes care." 

Financial terms of the partnership and timing for commercial availability were not disclosed.