As Eric Lagergren mentioned in his blog entry "Insurance, Skin-Prep Wipes, and Principle (Part 2)," the company Smiths Medical recently announced that it is ending manufacturing and sales of its Deltec Cozmo insulin pump and, ultimately, exiting the diabetes business. What does this mean for people who currently use this pump?
In a notice sent to customers on March 25, the company assured current users that “we will honor your warranty, we will provide customer and clinical support for the remainder of the warranty of your pump, and we will ensure the availability of cartridges and infusion sets.” The notice went on to explain that Smiths Medical will work with current users to help them switch to a national or regional distributor of Deltec Cozmo insulin pump cartridges and Cleo and Comfort infusion sets. (These infusion sets will continue to be manufactured by Smiths Medical.) It also explained that as people’s pumps approach the end of their warranty periods, they will need to consult with their health-care providers to choose a new pump from a different company.
Pump manufacturer Medtronic is making a play to be that company. On April 3, Medtronic announced the launch of the “Medtronic Cares Program,” which aims to encourage Cozmo users to switch to a MiniMed Paradigm REAL-Time pump and continuous glucose monitoring system by presenting them with a special deal. The program will offer in-warranty Deltec customers a $500 trade-in credit for their Cozmo pumps and an option to “work off” additional expenses by responding to four customer service surveys over 12 months. In exchange, they will receive a “recertified” (refurbished) Paradigm pump, 30 days of supplies (infusion sets, reservoirs, and an insertion device), and a two-year warranty on their new pump from Medtronic.
You can learn more about the discontinuation of the Deltec Cozmo at www.delteccozmoupdate.com. You can also contact the Smiths Medical customer support team at (800) 826-9703.
And you can find out more about the Medtronic Cares Program at www.minimed.com/cares or by calling (800) 646-4633, Option 6.
Are you a current Cozmo user? If so, how do you feel about this news? Are you interested in the Medtronic offer, or will you consider switching to a different pump manufacturer? Let us know with a comment.
