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MEMS based insulin pump
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25/06/2008
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Debiotech and STMicroelectronics have unveiled evaluation prototypes of a miniaturised insulin delivery pump. The MEMS based device can be mounted on a disposable skin patch to provide continuous insulin infusion.
The disposable pump combines Debiotech’s expertise in insulin delivery systems with ST’s strengths in manufacturing high volume silicon based microfluidic devices.
“The success of the initial prototype tests has moved the revolutionary insulin Nanopump a step closer to market availability,” said Benedetto Vigna, general manager of ST’s MEMS and Healthcare, RF Transceivers and Sensors Division. “Working with Debiotech, we are readying a tiny piece of silicon that can make a huge difference to millions of diabetes patients around the world.”
The device relies upon microfluidic technology to provide better control of the administered insulin doses, mimicking more closely the natural secretion of insulin from the pancreas, whilst detecting potential malfunctions of the pump to protect patients.
Designed as a disposable device and manufactured using high volume semiconductor processing technologies, the Nanopump will be more affordable than current solutions.
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Author
Graham Pitcher
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