Johnson and Johnson to exit insulin pump business

The Johnson &Johnson diabetes care unit Animas Corp is planning to close operations and exit the insulin pump business.
Animas, the second-largest manufacturer of insulin pumps, is well-known for insulin pumps such as Animas Vibe and OneTouch Ping, which will cease to be sold in the US and Canada, effective immediately.
The devices will continue to be sold in other countries, including the UK, but eventually production will end, the company has said.
Animas has selected Medtronic Plc as its partner to ease transition from their devices and roughly 90,000 patients using Animas pumps will be offered the option to transfer to Medtronic pumps.
“With changing needs of customers, rapidly evolving market dynamics, and increased competitive pressures, it proved too difficult to sustain the insulin-pump business, and we decided to pursue an exit,” said Valerie Asbury, general manager of Animas.
Bridget Doherty, spokeswoman for Animas, said: “We will continue to operate certain functions of the business – including manufacturing, customer and safety support, as examples – for an indeterminate amount of time as we help our patients transition.
“A decision and timing to exit markets outside of the U.S. and Canada is pending consultation with relevant works councils.”
Leading type 1 diabetes charity JDRF released a statement following the announcement citing its disappointment that people with type 1 diabetes will now have fewer treatment options.
Derek Rapp, CEO of JDRF said: “Pump choice is critical, and people with type 1 diabetes need the ability to choose the devices that work best for them.”
You should consult with your doctor if you currently use an Animas insulin pump. Your doctor will be able to help recommend treatment plans and suggest alternative pumps to consider.