New OmniPod Tubeless Insulin Pump Approved

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On December 14, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Insulet’s new OmniPod insulin pump, a second-generation device that builds on the technology of the previous OmniPod System.

The OmniPod Insulin Management System consists of two components: The Pod is a small, lightweight device that is worn on the skin and combines an insertion device, infusion set, and insulin reservoir. The Pod’s insulin delivery is controlled and monitored by the handheld Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM), which also contains a blood glucose meter.

The new Pod is 34% smaller, 25% lighter, and 16% slimmer, but it retains the same 200-unit reservoir capacity as the previous version. It also features a new “pink slide insert” that allows users to visually verify that the cannula (the tube that carries the insulin into the body) has deployed.

Changes to the PDM include expanded communication range; a vibration option for certain alarms and reminders; and a status screen that always shows details about current insulin on board (the amount of insulin that is still active in the body from a previous infusion).

“As an OmniPod wearer myself, I love its ease of use and no tubing! Now with its smaller and sleeker design, it will make it even easier for more people to take control of their diabetes,” notes Steve Edelman, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California at San Diego and founder of Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD).

According to a piece on Diabetes Mine, the system is entirely new, meaning that old Pods won’t communicate with new PDMs, and vice versa.

The system set-up cost will remain at around $800 depending on insurance, and Pods will continue to cost roughly $35 a piece. New units are expected to begin shipping between late February and end of March 2013. According to Insulet, if you are currently using the OmniPod, you will be contacted by the company when it’s time to transition to the new version.

To learn more about the new OmniPod system, read the press release from Insulet or see the OmniPod Web site.

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