The R-1000 also allows users to program four distinct basal profiles to conveniently match lifestyle variations like dayshifts, weekends, marathon runs, or menses. It has user-friendly features like the 508, but incorporates easy cartridge insertion, accurate measurement of remaining insulin, and a wide choice of light Swatch-like case coverings of various colors and designs that can be snapped over the pump's black body. The wearer can choose covers to match their daily agenda.

Based in Frazer, Pennsylvania, Animas was founded by engineer Katherine Crothall in 1996. Crothall has built an excellent business record following sale of two previous successful start-ups, Laakmann Electro-Optics in 1979 and Luxar in 1997.

The R-1000 pump will be marketed in parts of the United States through Insulin Infusion Specialties which is the U.S.'s largest independent insulin pump distributor. In the remainder of the states where IIS does not operate, the R-1000 will be distributed through Animas' direct sales force at (877) YES-PUMP. Animas has over 30 pump representatives available throughout the U.S. IIS may be contacted at (800) 838-PUMP.

Animas also appears to be at an advanced stage in the development of a continuous blood glucose monitor. Their sensor is an implanted infrared device that transmits readings via radiotelemetry to a wristwatch. 

Animas is also developing an advanced insulin infusion set designed to overcome some of the problems inherent in current sets which can impact blood sugar control. These new infusion sets are expected to be available early in 2001.

New D-Tron Expected In July

One is a patented pressure sensor designed as both a leak detector and early occlusion sensor. Although not prone to these problems, it will be the only pump capable of detecting leaks in the cartridge chamber or O-ring leaks via a sensor positioned between the reservoir and infusion line. Unfortunately, it cannot detect leaks beyond the pump, such as the tunneling seen with teflon infusion sets, or an infusion set that becomes displaced. 

The D-Tron has a bidirectional  infrared (IR) port which can communicate with IR ports common to computers or easily added to them. Data can be downloaded to a PC and basal profiles can be uploaded. MiniMed's pump is also bidirectional, but communicates with their proprietary cradle. 

Additional features include an alternate basal profile, easy programming for setting the size of bolus steps, vibration and audio notification, a visual menu with 0.1 bolus adjustments, precise measurement of residual insulin, backlighting, lots of additional memory for basals and boluses, etc. The piston, currently reset by hand between cartridge changes, will be built directly into the pump with automatic resetting which displays the actual number of units within the cartridge, even when a partial cartridge is inserted.

Disetronic will offer prefilled glass cartridges, as well as standard self-filled glass cartridges. Prefilled cartridges will be available with Humalog, with anticipation that Lilly can obtain approval for use of Humalog in pumps late this year. The prefilled cartridge will be available for use in Disetronic insulin pens, although not recommended for pump use until FDA approval is received.

Disetronic plans to continue production of their current H-Tron pumps, which will make them the first pump company to offer customers three distinct pump models (Dahedi, H-Tron and D-Tron). The H-Tron will continue to be released as two pumps. A price reduction may also be seen, along with the choice of the D-Tron, two H-Trons, or the redesigned Dahedi. 

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MiniMed 508

MiniMed's  Model 508 has new convenience features including a small remote programmer for bolusing that can be attached to a key chain, three different basal profiles similar to those introduced in the Animas R-1000, a low volume alert, an optional vibrate mode, plus a "child block" feature to restrict programming. The three basal profiles allow for different basal needs on weekends, for athletic events, or for menstruation. 

The 508 is a minor upgrade of the 507C pump and MiniMed is working on their next generation pump called the 511. With the 511, MiniMed is switching to a DC motor, preferred for its strength and smooth basal delivery. The 508 will become the last of the solenoid or stepper motor pumps produced. The 511 is expected to incorporate frequent basal delivery, common in today's pumps and preferred by many users. Its size is expected to be slightly smaller size with bidirectional IR communication for easy connection to continuous monitoring devices.

Disetronic Dahedi 25 Gets Final FDA Approval

The FDA has approved sale of the smallest insulin pump available in the U.S. Called the Dahedi 25 and sold by Disetronic, the pump is about a third smaller and 20% lighter than the D-Tron and 508 models. Disetronic acquired the Dahedi from the Dutch company Dahedi Medical Systems, and has spent time redesigning the exterior case for the more modern look shown below.

It allows a reduced basal rate to be programmed after boluses, called a "break after bolus", but this is really a carry-over from days when Regular insulin was commonly used with its prolonged action time. The glass reservoir holds 300 units. Like the MiniMed, it has a built-in infrared port that can transmit up to 42 days of basal and bolus data to a computer. The Dahedi has been sold for several years in Germany and Holland, and is ideal for anyone wanting a small, very discrete pump. Expected to be available soon, call (877) 6-Dahedi toll free in the U.S. for more information. 

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The model shown at the ADA Conference in San Diego in June, 1999 would probably need to be adapted for the American market, and Sooil engineers were listening to advice. Currently the basal rates in the pump can only be set up every two hours with adjustments made as units per day rather than tenths of a unit per hour. This equates to basal adjustments in steps equivalent to roughly 0.04 units per hour compared to 0.1 units in current pumps, but equivalent to the new Animas pump. However, boluses can only be given in 1.0 unit increments.

Although the quality of construction is not perfect, its small size and anticipated sales price of $2,000 may bring it to the attention of many in this country, especially following anticipated modifications in basal and bolus delivery for a Type-1-driven market.