Artificial pancreas trial yields positive results

Scientists have published positive data from the first human clinical trial of a potentially revolutionary new artificial pancreas system.

A study conducted by Johnson and Johnson subsidiary Animas, in association with diabetes research charity JDRF, has yielded encouraging performance data for the new Hypoglycaemia-Hyperglycaemia Minimiser System.

The device was able to predict a rise and fall in blood glucose and correspondingly increase and decrease insulin delivery in a safe manner.

Animas' device – which incorporates a subcutaneous insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor and special software to predict changes in blood glucose – is being developed with investigational device exemption approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Dr Aaron Kowalski, assistant vice-president of research at JDRF, said: "An artificial pancreas system that can not only detect, but can predict high and low blood sugar levels and make automatic adjustments to insulin delivery, would be a major advance for people with type 1 diabetes."

This comes after JDRF announced new partnerships with BD and Medtronic in recent weeks in order to continue progressing research in this area of technology.