SFC Fluidics Receives SBIR Phase II Funding to Develop Dual Hormone Patch Pump for Diabetics

SFC Fluidics has been awarded a $1.4 million grant to support development of a dual hormone patch pump for patients with diabetes.
 
There are 4 million insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetics worldwide and this number is expected to increase over time. The challenges of maintaining proper glycemic control are particularly difficult for young patients who understandably dislike the multiple needle sticks required for measuring blood glucose levels and delivering the appropriate doses of insulin or glucagon. SFC’s proposed patch pump system will have the necessary safety features and dose accuracy to allow automated insulin and glucagon dosing to achieve fine-tuned glycemic control in patients with Type 1 diabetes.

According to Dr. Forrest Payne, principal investigator on the project, “The suite of patents and patent applications that covers SFC Fluidics’ system— from the pump to the valves to the sensors— will allow for development of a next generation dual-hormone patch pump that combines safety, convenience and small size with excellent accuracy and precision.”
 
SFC Fluidics’ proprietary ePump system can control the delivery of both insulin and glucagon in a discreet patch pump that is the same size as the insulin-only patch pumps currently on the market. A second proprietary feature of the proposed system is a flow confirmation sensor that determines whether dose administration has occurred as expected in real-time. This sensor will quickly alert to any problems within the patch pump such as occlusions, leaks, depleted drug supply, accidental misloading, and any mechanical/electrical failure.

“We think the proposed system will be especially attractive to adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and will serve the broader diabetic community as well. What’s more, we see the dual hormone drug delivery system as a vital part of a future state-of-the-art artificial pancreas,” remarked Greg Lamps, SFC’s vice president of Product Realization.
 
SFC Fluidics Inc. attempts to advance healthcare and improve quality of life through its microfluidic technologies. The company’s vision is to become a recognized global leader in the drug delivery and health monitoring markets where our unique product lines improve lifestyle and affordability. SFC Fluidics is a VIC Technology Venture Development portfolio company.