Diabetes: Medtronic launches MiniMed 640G

Medtronic announces the global launch of its latest insulin management system, the MiniMed 640G, designed to suspend and then resume insulin delivery based on patients' glucose levels.

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) said today that it's putting its next generation of insulin management system, the MiniMed 640G, on the global marketplace.

The new system uses Medtronic's "SmartGuard" technology, designed to suspend insulin delivery when it senses that the patient's glucose levels are headed toward a low limit, then resume delivery once glucose levels recover, according to a press release.

The MiniMed 640G, which the company said is waterproof to depths of up to 12 feet for 24 hours, also uses the company's Enhanced Enlite continuous glucose sensing technology and Bayer's (ETR:BAYN) Contour Next Link 2.4 blood glucose meter, Medtronic said.

"Managing hypoglycemia and rebound hyperglycemia after treatment is one of the biggest challenges of managing diabetes," Dr. Tim Jones of Perth, Australia's Princess Margaret Hospital said in prepared remarks. "By suspending insulin delivery before the sensor glucose reaches a low limit, the MiniMed 640G System4 can help prevent severe hypoglycemia. In addition, with this new feature, hyperglycemic rebound may be avoided by resuming insulin delivery once those glucose levels recover, making this a very valuable tool for achieving better glucose control."

"We developed this system based on substantial amounts of research and feedback from the global diabetes community, who are looking for simpler, more convenient diabetes technology that helps them achieve better glucose control and enjoy greater freedom. With the MiniMed 640G, we're thrilled to deliver a new system that meets these needs and marks the third significant milestone to creating and commercializing the world's first artificial pancreas," added Medtronic intensive insulin management business general manager Alejandro Galindo.

"Contour Next Link 2.4 is the meter chosen by Medtronic to provide highly accurate blood glucose test results to the MiniMed 640G System supporting the calibration of the system's continuous glucose monitoring sensor," Bayer diabetes global head Michael Kloss said in a statement. "We are proud of the high accuracy of our meters which is an important part of diabetes management. Through our alliance with Medtronic, we are working to support those with diabetes who use insulin pumps."

Medtronic said the MiniMed 640G is on the market in Australia and that it expects to launch in other markets "over the next several months" pending approvals.