“Bionic” pancreas passes initial tests

A wearable “artificial pancreas” passed initial tests, constantly monitoring blood sugar and automatically giving insulin or a sugar-boosting drug as needed.  The experimental device is being developed by Boston University professor Edward Damiano, Mass General doctor Steven Russell, and colleagues.

The “bionic” pancreas improved blood-sugar control more than standard monitors and insulin pumps when tested for 5 days on 20 adults and 32 teens. Unlike other artificial pancreases in development, this one can also fix too-low sugar, mimicking a natural pancreas.

It has three parts: two cellphone-sized pumps for insulin and sugar-raising glucagon, and an iPhone wired to a continuous glucose monitor. Three small needles go under the skin, usually in the belly, to connect patients to the components, which can be kept in a pocket.

Patients must still prick their fingers to test blood sugar twice a day to make sure the monitor is accurate, but the system administers insulin or glucagon as needed.

A study of 40 adults, over 11 days, begins Monday.   Within 6 months, researchers hope to have a next-generation version combining all three components in one device.  It will be tested in studies next year, with the goal of FDA approval.


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