Skip to main content

JDRF has now rebranded to Breakthrough T1D.
Our name has changed, our mission has not.

Research news

Novel insulin being developed to enable implantable insulin pumps

Medtronic Diabetes have announced they are funding the biopharmaceutical company Arecor Therapeutics to develop a novel, highly concentrated, thermostable insulin, which will be specialised for use in implantable insulin pumps.
Content last reviewed and updated: 19.09.2024

A novel insulin is being developed for implantable insulin pumps

Arecor and Medtronic have announced they are joining forces to create a new type of insulin that is highly concentrated and can withstand temperature changes. These features are intended to allow the insulin to be used in new insulin pumps which are being designed to sit under the skin rather than on the surface of the skin.

Early stage of development

Although still at an early stage of development, this new insulin has the potential to bring significant advancements in the current insulin treatment options for a small population of people with type 1 who are struggling to manage their condition with the insulin pumps currently available. The products will need to go through development and clinical trials. Once this is complete, this novel insulin could minimise the need for pump maintenance interventions and help healthcare professionals support their patients, whilst saving healthcare costs.

Medtronic Diabetes

Medtronic Diabetes is the arm of the medical technology company Medtronic that is focused on developing products for type 1 diabetes. Medtronic makes a range of type 1 technology including insulin pumps, smart insulin pens and continuous glucose monitors.

Gary Dulak, Senior Director, New Venture Programs Medtronic Diabetes, said: “Medtronic Diabetes is a pioneer in implantable insulin pump systems for people living with type 1 diabetes, who are unable to tolerate conventional therapy that delivers insulin subcutaneously (under the skin). With an implantable insulin pump system, insulin delivery is targeted for direct absorption by the liver via the implantable pump. We are pleased to collaborate with Arecor to explore new ways to develop this critical therapeutic option for the subset of individuals who may benefit from it.”

Arecor Therapeutics

Arecor Therapeutics is a globally focused biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative medicines which enhance existing therapeutic products.

Sarah Howell, Chief Executive Officer of Arecor, said: “Within the diabetes field more broadly we are seeing the rise of innovative insulin delivery devices, including longer-wear and miniaturised pumps that are continually improving treatment options for patients. We are excited to play our part in this progress with the development of a highly differentiated insulin with the potential to transform treatment for an extremely vulnerable patient group. This collaboration is one of many we hope to enable, to further enhance the benefits of these next-generation devices.”

JDRF’s partnership with Arecor

Back in 2016, we began partnering with Arecor to accelerate the development of a stable, rapid-acting, ultraconcentrated insulin. This novel insulin was designed to help people with high insulin needs and enable the development of smaller, more user-friendly insulin pumps. Then, in 2019, Arecor and JDRF signed a joint research, development and commercialisation agreement to develop a mixture of pramlintide and insulin to avoid people having to give themselves separate injections of the two drugs.

Rachel Connor, Director of Research Partnerships at JDRF UK, said: “Thanks to our support, JDRF helped to establish Arecor as a successful insulin start-up company. We’re delighted to see Arecor continue the initiative of developing the next generation of insulins and partnering with Medtronic to transform insulin pumps. With new forms of insulin come new opportunities for more innovative delivery systems and a less burdensome life with type 1 diabetes.”

Novel insulins

We need new insulins that work faster and more effectively so that we can unlock the potential of fully closed loop systems and make managing type 1 diabetes easier for those living with it. So, we are focused on developing the next generation of insulins, which includes fast-acting insulins, glucose-responsive ‘smart’ insulins and different delivery methods, such as weekly insulins and insulin pills. You can find out more about our work to develop novel insulins on the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge website.

You may also be interested in

Read more
Dr Ana Cruz in her lab
Research
8 January 2025

Breakthrough in T1D treatment: Engineered islets produce insulin without immunosuppression

Sana Biotechnology, a US-based biotech company, has released clinical data showing that the first person receiving engineered islets from deceased donors is now producing insulin without the need for immunosuppressive drugs.

Read more
Mum and daughter wearing Breakthrough T1D t-shirts and holding a flag in a park.
News
16 December 2024

Research and policy breakthroughs in 2024

Our highlights from a year full of breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes research and advocacy.

Read more
Researcher with microscope
Research
13 December 2024

Breakthrough T1D funds four new type 1 diabetes research projects in the UK

We’ve awarded four new grants to UK researchers to help improve lives and develop cures for people living with type 1 diabetes.

Read more
A photograph of two women. The woman on the right is a healthcare professional who has a hand on the other woman's arm.
Research
12 November 2024

New policy framework launches to improve sex and gender data in UK research

The framework aims to encourage UK researchers to consider different sexes (biological attributes) and genders (roles, behaviours and identity in society) to address gaps in health data.