Convatec, Beta Bionics partner on iLet bionic pancreas

May 25, 2023 By Sean Whooley

FDA last week cleared the Beta Bionics iLet ACE automated insulin pump and iLet dosing decision software.

Convatec offers design and manufacturing services for infusion set technologies and insertion devices for insulin pump treatment. Beta Bionics’ iLet uses its inset and contact detach infusion sets for subcutaneous insulin administration.

The company's inset, an all-in-one infusion set with a built-in insertion device, connects to iLet on one end and the infusion site at the other. It features a soft, indwelling cannula. Convatec's contact detach comes with a thin, stainless steel needle. Both infusion sets use kink-free infusion tubing to ensure uninterrupted insulin infusion. They also feature a skin-friendly adhesive tape to secure the set firmly at the infusion site.

Convatec intends to manufacture these sets for Beta Bionics at its production sites in Mexico. The company said it's "pleased to be part" of the launch of the Beta Bionics offering.

"We are pleased to be a part of the iLet Bionic Pancreas system, a truly innovative offering that provides more choice for people with Type 1 diabetes," said Kjersti Grimsrud, Convatec COO of infusion care. "Convatec has been committed to pioneering diabetes solutions for more than 30 years. This partnership further demonstrates the strength of Convatec's technology and leadership in infusion solutions. We are delighted to have Beta Bionics in our line-up of professional insulin pump partners, who share our ethos of providing innovative and simplified medical device solutions to patients and healthcare professionals."

The iLet ACE pump and a compatible, FDA-cleared integrated continuous glucose monitor (iCGM), comprise the iLet Bionic Pancreas. Using an algorithm, the automated insulin delivery system determines and commands insulin delivery. iLet currently pairs with the Dexcom G6 CGM.

Beta Bionics’ iLet Bionic Pancreas uses an adaptive, closed-loop algorithm. It initializes with the user's body weight and requires no additional insulin dosing parameters. The algorithm removes the need to manually adjust insulin pump therapy settings and variables.

iLet simplifies mealtime use by replacing conventional carb counting with its meal announcement feature. This enables users to estimate the amount of carbs in their meal, categorized as "small," "medium" or "large." Over time, the algorithm learns to respond to users’ individual insulin needs.

The platform's dosing decision software determines and commands the increase, decrease, maintenance or suspension of basal insulin doses. It commands correction doses of insulin based on the input from an iCGM and independently determines and commands meal doses of insulin based on the meal announcement feature.

Filed Under: Business/Financial News, Diabetes, Drug-Device Combinations, Featured, Patient Monitoring, Technology Tagged With: Beta Bionics, Convatec