Cellnovo has received CE Mark approval for its mobile diabetes management system. The system includes an insulin patch pump, a wireless touch screen handset with a built-in blood glucose monitor, and an extendable applications set.
According to Cellnovo, the insulin patch pump is the smallest and most precise one available on the market. It uses rechargeable batteries and is attached to the body using a Velcro-like adhesive strip. The small plastic insulin reservoir is the only discardable part. The pump works by using a wax actuator and has only one moving part: when it receives a signal to release insulin, wax inside the pump is rapidly converted from solid to liquid, pushing the plunger that infuses insulin. This way an accuracy of 1-2% of the target dose of insulin can be reached. Patients receive two pumps, so one can recharge while the other is being worn.
The wireless handset that features a touch screen looks a lot like any modern-day smartphone. It both controls the insulin pump and automates the capture of most relevant data. It works as a glucose meter, recording blood glucose levels whenever a test strip is inserted, while the patient can directly enter how he feels at that moment by clicking a smiley icon. Activity levels are automatically recorded by an accelerometer built into the insulin pump. Food intake still needs to be entered manually, but can be chosen from a personalized food library. The handset receives and transmits real-time data to a portal for patients and caregivers to use. Parents can also receive text messages to their mobile phones alerting them to changes to their child’s information. The company promises that it will soon be possible to download additional apps to the handset.
Although the website states the Cellnovo is continuous blood glucose measurement-ready, it appears that for now both glucose measurement and pump control are manual jobs. Altogether, Cellnovo has managed to create a complete and well-integrated mobile diabetes management system. However, the downside is the need to carry yet another gadget in your pocket, while devices such as the previously covered iBGStar iPhone accessory are only small extensions to a smartphone you already carry with you. The company, however, consciously made this decision, knowing that it would be much harder, or maybe impossible, to get regulatory approval to deliver a similar system using general smartphones. The plus side is mainly the high level of integration, i.e. that it is also the controller of the insulin pump, something we haven’t seen in any other system. On top of that, the small size of the insulin pump is an important feature on its own.
Press release: Cellnovo Receives CE Mark Approval for World’s First Mobile Diabetes Management System…
Product page: Cellnovo…
