Apr. 19, 2007 — Debiotech and STMicroelectronics have announced a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at producing a miniaturized insulin-delivery pump. Enabled by microfluidic MEMS and semiconductor manufacturing technology, the Nanopump aims to broadly improve patients’ lives. The device integrates a tiny pump on a disposable skin patch to provide continuous insulin infusion. It promises substantial advancements in the availability, treatment efficiency, and quality of life of diabetes patients. The original technology was awarded the Swiss Technology Award in 2006; this agreement brings it closer to the market.

The therapy enabled by this device, Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII), is an attractive alternative to individual insulin injections that must be administered several times a day. Existing insulin pumps are about the size of a pager; the new ST-Debiotech device is about one quarter the size.

The highly miniaturized disposable insulin pump combines Debiotech’s expertise in insulin delivery with ST’s strengths in manufacturing high-volume silicon-based microfluidic devices. It will also be much more affordable.

The insulin Nanopump represents the first use of microfluidic MEMS technology in diabetes treatment. Functional samples have already been produced and the partners expect that a fully industrialized product, in the form of a disposable cartridge, will be available in selected markets in 2008.