The FDA has cleared San Diego-based Tandem Diabetes Care's t:slim insulin delivery system (pictured). And according to the company, t:slim is the first pump with a color touch screen and will be the smallest such system once it is commercially launched in the first half of 2012.
The t:slim system was designed to ease diabetes management. User-friendly features include an eco-friendly rechargeable battery and USB connectivity to a web-based therapy management software.
"With the clearance of t:slim, Tandem Diabetes Care has an opportunity to set a new standard in insulin infusion therapy," said Kim Blickenstaff, president and CEO, Tandem Diabetes Care. "In creating t:slim, we spoke with more than 4,000 healthcare professionals and people with diabetes, and the clear message we heard was, 'make it cool and make it uncomplicated to use. Give us access to the most advanced features without extra effort.' The t:slim's touch screen interface has been proven in extensive user studies to be easy to learn and to use by new and experienced pump users alike."
Of the approximate 1.5 million people in the U.S. with Type 1 diabetes, roughly 20% to 30% use an insulin pump, the company says in a statement, citing industry estimates. Tandem thinks the enhanced ease of use and attractive design of its offering will encourage more patients to consider insulin pump therapy.
The t:slim is one of the first insulin pumps to be cleared under the FDA's new Infusion Pump Improvement Initiative.
- check out the Tandem release