MiniMed has started shipping its new insulin pump in the U.S. with the Abbott-made Instinct sensor, the company said last week. The sensor can be used for up to 15 days before it needs to be changed.
The company said the rollout of its new MiniMed Flex delivery device with Instinct combines the smallest and only app-controlled insulin pump with the world’s smallest sensor.
MiniMed is supporting the launch with its first major marketing campaign for the insulin pump. The campaign focuses on MiniMed Flex’s “discreet” design, app control and automation.
The company received Food and Drug Administration clearance for MiniMed Flex in March and made the product available in the U.S. with the Simplera Sync sensor in June.
U.S. patients have been able to buy Instinct with the MiniMed 780G system since December, but the Abbott-made sensor was excluded from the initial launch of the newer MiniMed Flex insulin pump.
The MiniMed Flex system has FDA clearance for people with Type 1 diabetes ages 7 years and older and adults with Type 2 diabetes who require insulin.
Having committed to making MiniMed Flex available with Instinct by the end of summer, the company started shipping the products in combination in August.
The phased rollout of MiniMed Flex informed the company’s growth forecast for its 2027 financial year, which began in April.
Chad Spooner, MiniMed CFO, said on an earnings call in June, “Flex has four to six weeks of selling in Q1, so that as we get into Q2, we’ve got a full quarter of Flex with Simplera and then we start to introduce Instinct, so you get even more benefit from that. And then [in] Q3, you’ve got a full quarter of both of those sensors with Flex,”
This development brings together two important technologies for diabetes management, potentially improving the lives of people with diabetes. The ability to combine a small insulin pump with a long-lasting sensor can make it easier for patients to manage their condition, using AI regulation to guide treatment.
Chad Spooner added, “That’s why we see that progressive growth in the U.S. throughout the year.” MiniMed has started a consumer campaign for MiniMed Flex to support the launch.
They expect the decision to ship the products in combination to have a positive impact on their financial performance in the coming quarters.
The rollout of MiniMed Flex with Instinct is a key part of the company’s strategy for the year, according to the filing.
It is likely to contribute to the company’s growth.
