Abbott and Medtronic Announce Partnership for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device

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Abbott has partnered with Medtronic to develop an integrated continuous glucose monitoring system.¹ The project will incorporate Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre technology and Medtronic’s automated insulin delivery (AID) system and smart insulin pens.

According to Abbott, the combination of technologies should allow the device to make automatic adjustments to insulin based on glucose levels.

In a press release, Abbott’s executive vice president of its diabetes care business Jared Watkin said, “This partnership pairs two global leaders in glucose sensing technology and insulin delivery. 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."

In the same press release, Medtronic Diabetes executive vice president and president Que Dallara said, “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. 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."

This is the latest continuous glucose monitoring device that Abbott is involved with. In June, the company announced that FDA had approved Lingo and Libre Rio, both of which are powered by Abbott’s FreesStyle Libre technology.²

In a press release issued at the time, Abbott’s executive vice president and group president of its medical device business Lisa Earnhardt said, “There is no one-size-fits all approach for glucose monitoring, which is why we've designed different products for different people–all based on the same world-leading biowearable technology. People living with diabetes need certain features like tracking medications or sharing data with a healthcare provider. People without diabetes need different features to manage their metabolic health, including personalized coaching to promote actionable lifestyle changes."

In the same press release, cardiologist and medical director of El Camino Health Heart and Vascular Institute Fred St. Goar, MD, said, “Continuous glucose monitors are a tool I recommend to my patients to raise their overall awareness of factors that affect their glucose and are an invaluable holistic wellness solution. Research has shown that overall lower glucose exposure in the general population is associated with reduced long-term risk to developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and certain cancers. Making continuous glucose monitors widely available will undoubtedly have a dramatic effect on the overall health and well-being of the broader population."

Abbott has also taken other approaches to promoting healthy lifestyles and diets. In June, the company partnered with the National Association of Community Health Centers on an initiative to promote healthy diet options.³

In a press release issued at the time, Abbot’s vice president of global marketing and external affairs Melissa Brotz said, “Nutritious food is essential for good health, but far too often it's not available to people who need it. We're excited to work together with NACHC and community health centers across the country to generate innovative and practical ideas to improve access to food, nutrition education and health services to help people live healthier lives."

Sources

1. Abbott Enters Global Partnership to Connect Its World-Leading Continuous Glucose Monitoring System with Medtronic's Insulin Delivery Devices. Abbott. August 7, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbott-enters-global-partnership-to-connect-its-world-leading-continuous-glucose-monitoring-system-with-medtronics-insulin-delivery-devices-302216502.html
2. Abbott Receives U.S. FDA Clearance for Two New Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. Abbott. June 10, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbott-receives-us-fda-clearance-for-two-new-over-the-counter-continuous-glucose-monitoring-systems-302167780.html
3. Abbott Teams Up With the National Association of Community Health Centers to Expand Access to Nutritious Food and Improve Health. Abbott. June 20, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbott-teams-up-with-the-national-association-of-community-health-centers-to-expand-access-to-nutritious-food-and-improve-health-302177728.html