Korean insulin pump maker teams up with French therapeutic AI firm for global foray

[Source: Sooil Development]

Sooil Development, a Korean insulin pump manufacturer, and Diabeloop, a French medtech company pioneering therapeutic artificial intelligence, have agreed on joint development and commercial partnership to explore global markets.

The partnership agreement was signed at the 2022 American Diabetes Association 82nd Scientific Sessions recently held in New Orleans, Sooil Development said on Monday.

Sooil Development founded by Choi Soo-bong, an emeritus professor at Konkuk University and a recognized authority in diabetes treatment, has manufactured and produced independently developed insulin pumps and exported them to more than 50 countries around the world.

Choi developed the world’s first commercially available portable insulin pump.

The company’s key product branded as Dana-i first developed by Choi in 1979 represents new, convenient and innovative technology in the treatment of diabetes with the symbol i, meaning intuitive, intelligent, interoperable, and innovative. The product was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2000 and in Europe with the CE Mark in 2008 and in China in 2009.

[Source: Sooil Development]

The two companies will conduct clinical trials to meet the requirements of the U.S. FDA and apply for certification for a product that combines Sooil Development’s Dana-i insulin pump with Diabeloop’s DBLG1 automated insulin delivery (AID) solution.

Data from a randomized controlled trial designed to compare open-source AID and commonly used SAPT (sensor augmented pump therapy) showed that users in the AID group spent an average of 14 percent more time in the target glucose range (70-180 mg/dL) than those using SAPT without automation, said Martin de Bock, M.D., of the University of Otago in Christchurch, New Zealand, during his presentation at the conference.

In this study, the AID system is configured as open access, and the Android version algorithm APS was implemented in a smartphone paired with Sooil Development’s Dana-i insulin pump and Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor.

Sooil Development’s latest insulin pump Dana-i provides patients and their doctors with a real-time view of insulin dose, meal amount, exercise, insulin injection pattern, among others. All past data can be viewed at a glance with further improved safety. In terms of function, it is a very convenient option for patients, according to the company.

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