Smart InPen device launches in the US

A reusable Bluetooth-enabled insulin pen and associated smartphone app for the treatment of type 1 diabetes is now available in the US.
The InPen system was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September last year, but is yet to be approved for use in Europe.
Manufactured by Companion Medical, the InPen system is designed for patients under the age of 12 using multiple daily injections, providing the benefits of an insulin pump, such as tracking insulin doses and data, without having to wear a pump.
InPen combines an insulin injector pen with Bluetooth wireless technology to track insulin doses via a smartphone app, which runs in the background.
The app is currently compatible with devices running iOS10 or later updates and is available from the Apple Store. Companion Medical hopes to release an Android version in 2018.
Additional benefits of the app include assistance for patients to calculate mealtime and correction doses, and reminders for when users should take insulin. The app also generates reports for healthcare professionals and tracks dose history and insulin temperature.
The InPen is compatible with Humalog, made by Eli Lilly, and Novolog, made by Novo Nordisk. Both of these are rapid-acting insulins.
Sean Saint, CEO of Companion Medical, said: “The InPen system is a significant step toward true integrated diabetes management. Our team has worked diligently to develop a solution for people living with diabetes who want the benefits of an insulin pump without the cost or burden of being tethered to a device.”
InPen is the same size and weight as a traditional insulin pe, is reusable and lasts for one year. Cartridges need to be replaced every week to one month, depending on use.
Currently InPen is available only in the United States, with Companion Medical awaiting response on European approval having filed for a CE Mark (kitemark) last year.