In brief: Abbott, Medtronic partner & InfuSystem, Smith+Nephew partner

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. 

InfuSystem to distribute Smith+Nephew NPWT system 

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – InfuSystem Holdings has announced a three-year agreement with Smith+Nephew to distribute its negative pressure wound therapy system and supplies. Under this agreement, InfuSystem will offer Smith+Nephew’s advanced RENASYS EDGE NPWT system, a new option in home-based care for patients living with chronic wounds. “Based on our more than 800 in-network health insurance providers covering over 96% of the U.S. population and our well-established and trusted service capabilities, Smith+Nephew approached InfuSystem to assist them as a secondary distribution partner for their RENASYS EDGE system,” said Richard DiIorio, CEO of InfuSystem. “We are excited about this new partnership, that will leverage InfuSystem’s unique patient services platform to deliver customized solutions. InfuSystem’s ability to wrap its high-value services around our partners’ products will quickly benefit and attract new revenue opportunities for both companies and more importantly giving more patients increased access to the new RENASYS EDGE technology.” The RENASYS EDGE NPWT system is lightweight and compact, allowing it to be easily carried or worn; features a discreet canister; and operates quietly to not draw attention or disturb daily activities. 

Medtronic CGM gets nod from FDA 

MINNEAPOLIS – Medtronic’s Simplera continuous glucose monitor (CGM) has received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Simplera, the company's first disposable, all-in-one continuous glucose monitor, is half the size of its previous CGMs. The Medtronic Simplera platform includes the Simplera CGM, which is designed to be used as part of a Smart MDI system with the InPen smart insulin pen; and the Simplera Sync sensor, which is designed to be integrated with the MiniMed 780G system. The Simplera CGM and Simplera Sync sensor, which are CE Marked in Europe, launched earlier this year.  

InfuSystem sets new revenue record 

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – InfuSystem Holdings reported revenues of $33.7 million for the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 6% year over year. Of that, Patient Services revenue was $20.2 million, and Device Solutions revenue was $13.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 18% vs. 18.2% year over year. “We are pleased with our second quarter financial results, which included setting a new record high quarterly revenue of $33.7 million, an increase of 6% over the prior year period, a 17% increase in net operating cash flow, and the anticipated significant sequential increase in adjusted EBITDA margin to 18%,” said Richard Dilorio, CEO. “This quarter marked our 10th consecutive record-breaking revenue achievement out of the last 12 quarters.” InfuSystem recently inked a three-year distribution agreement with Smith+Nephew to distribute its RENASYS EDGE NPWT system.