Arecor, Medtronic Diabetes Collaborate on Thermostable Insulin

Arecor Therapeutics has entered a research collaboration with Medtronic, to develop a novel, high-concentration, thermostable insulin for use by Medtronic’s Diabetes business in a next-generation implantable pump.
 
Through this collaboration, Medtronic has funded Arecor’s high-concentration thermostable insulin, Arestat. This new insulin has the potential to advance insulin treatments for patients who have limited options for controlling their diabetes with traditional therapies. 
 
This collaboration can lead to a lower need for pump maintenance interventions and expand the utility for physicians while saving healthcare costs.
 
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 intraperitoneal therapy via 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.”
 
“Our leadership in this field has been demonstrated through our best-in-class ultra-rapid acting clinical development programs (AT278 & AT247). Within the diabetes field more broadly we are seeing the rise of innovative delivery devices, including longer-wear and miniaturized 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,” said Arecor CEO, Sarah Howell. 
 
Arestat has yet to be approved by the FDA and is unavailable for research or commercial use in the US.