The highly miniaturized disposable insulin pump combines Debiotech’s expertise in insulin delivery with ST’s strengths in manufacturing high-volume silicon-based microfluidic devices. Microfluidic technology allows the flow of very small amounts of fluids to be electronically controlled. This pump represents a significant step in the development and adoption of CSII therapy and the leading-edge technology will also find applications in many other biomedical applications.

Today, existing insulin pumps are about the size of a pager. The new ST-enabled Debiotech miniaturized MEMS device is about one quarter the size of these existing pumps and can be worn as a nearly invisible patch on the skin. The small size frees the patient from concerns with holding the pump in place and concealing it under clothing.

The MEMS-based Nanopump also provides better control of the administered insulin doses. Dosing precision is a critical factor in treatment efficacy and contributes to reducing adverse long-term consequences. The Nanopump is able to control delivery at the nanoliter level, very close to the physiological delivery of insulin. The device prevents over-dosing and detects under-delivery, occlusion, air bubbles and other potential malfunctions in the pump to further protect patients. As a disposable device, manufactured using high-volume semiconductor processing technologies, the MEMS-based Nanopump will also be much more affordable, allowing the patient or the health system to avoid the typical up-front investment associated with current pump solutions.

The insulin Nanopump, developed by Debiotech and industrialized by ST, represents the first use of microfluidic MEMS technology in diabetes treatment. Functional samples have already been produced and the two partners expect that a fully industrialized product, in the form of a disposable cartridge, will be available in selected markets in 2008. Debiotech will remain responsible for the commercialization of the product through its licenses with major players in the medical device market.

The industrialization efforts will leverage STMicroelectronics’ growing experience in the biomedical market. Other bio-tech programs within ST’s Microfluidic Division include the In-Check lab-on-chip platform, currently being applied to the detection of sepsis and Avian flu.

“ST’s increasing focus on applying its semiconductor manufacturing processes and growing experience in microfluidic biotech applications affords us the potential to improve lives for millions of people around the world,” said Anton Hofmeister, Group Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Microfluidic Division. “Working with Debiotech, a leading developer of innovative biomedical applications, we are committed to the industrialization of the insulin Nanopump that aspires to push the boundaries of diabetes treatment.”

“This collaboration with ST represents a major step in manufacturing of the Nanopump to make it available to a broad market at a cost compatible with a unique disposable use. ST is a world leader in MEMS manufacturing and we are very excited to be working together to bring a real innovation to diabetic patients, offering a new way to treat one of the most severe diseases of our century,” said Frederic Neftel, MD, President & CEO of Debiotech SA. 

Additional information
There are almost 250 million people affected by diabetes worldwide and the number is expected to grow over the next decade due to population growth, ageing and life style. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, and ultimately death. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in most developed countries.

The market for insulin pump therapy is growing rapidly: according to HSBC¹, the worldwide market for insulin pump therapy is expected to grow from $800 million in 2004 to $1.6 billion by 2009.

¹ HSBC survey, 2005

About Debiotech
Debiotech specializes in the research and development of innovative medical devices in the field of implantable and external drug delivery systems, using micromechanics, nanotechnologies and MEMS, for the treatment of severe diseases (such as diabetes, renal failure, cardiovascular diseases and cancer) as well as novel technologies for the delivery of vaccines, diagnostic and imaging devices.

Debiotech has numerous exclusive license agreements with leading companies in the medical device and pharmaceutical fields and holds over 500 patents worldwide. Further information on Debiotech can be found at www.debiotech.com.