Imagine a tiny, smart internal organ that replaces the job of a failing pancreas. Instead of just checking sugar, it monitors three different chemicals in the blood to understand exactly what the body needs. It then automatically delivers insulin through the belly area using a microscopic pump, so the person doesn't have to prick their fingers or manually inject medicine.
Insulin-treated diabetes patients suffer from a heavy daily burden due to constant glucose monitoring and manual insulin injections. Current systems often fail to account for lactate and ketones, leading to metabolic variations and higher mortality.
A design for an implantable system featuring a multi-parameter sensor and a silicon MEMS micropump. This includes simulations and the start of clean room fabrication for the pump and safety valve.
If you are a pump manufacturer dealing with frequent refill requirements and short battery life — this project developed a MEMS micropump with a 50 nl stroke volume that enables refill cycles of 180 to 365 days. This allows for a maintenance-free experience for the patient.
If you are a software developer dealing with the inaccuracy of glucose-only monitoring — this project developed control algorithms using multi-metabolite signals (glucose, lactate, and 3-ßOHB). This removes the need for patients to manually announce meals or exercise.
If you are a pharma company dealing with the limitations of subcutaneous insulin absorption — this project developed a system for peritoneal route delivery using a newly developed U1000 insulin. This enables a more physiological insulin action for children and adults.
Based on available project data, there is no specific information regarding the unit cost or market price of the device.
The project is currently in the design and simulation phase, with the start of a clean room run for key components like the MEMS micropump. It is not yet at industrial scale.
The project has a dedicated group for IP and Commercialization (EURICE) and is developing a strategy paper to be incorporated in autumn 2024.
The devices are designed to have a durable battery operating life of more than 8 years without the need for recharging.
The project period is from 2023-10-01 to 2028-03-31.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, consisting of 7 partners across 4 countries. With an industry ratio of 43% (including 3 industry partners and 2 SMEs), the project has a strong commercial orientation, led by the Fraunhofer Society, a renowned applied research organization.
Contact Fraunhofer Gesellschaft for technology transfer inquiries via the FHG group.
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for the MEMS micropump and multi-metabolite sensor.
