Once-a-Year Implant for Diabetes: An Answer to Adherence

 

This matchstick-sized pump — currently called the ITCA 650 (Intarcia Therapeutics; Boston, Massachusetts) — could replace pills and injections for type 2 diabetes. It’s implanted under the skin of the abdomen and releases doses of the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist exenatide (Bydureon®, Byetta®) to help control blood glucose. It must be replaced yearly. Clinical trials are nearing completion, and the maker hopes to bring the device to market in 2016.