Two cardiometabolic-related news items have been observed: Abbott announced the Libre 2 iOS app received FDA clearance and Ionis announced the pelacarsen CVOT, called Lp(a) HORIZON, has reached 50% enrollment. Below, FENIX provides highlights and insights for the respective news items.
A series of events and observations have been made that suggest the Libre 2 US commercialization remains in a soft launch; however, a broad launch of the Libre 2 system may be in the near term. Below, FENIX provides analysis on the Libre 2 soft launch, potential insight into Abbott’s rationale to simultaneously market Libre 14-day and Libre 2, and thoughts on whether Abbott would minimize Libre 2 promotional efforts if Libre 3 US approval is around the corner.
Two diabetes-related news items have been observed: Abbott hosted its Q3 ’20 earnings call (press release) and Chugai licensed its antibody engineering technology to Novo Nordisk (press release). Below, FENIX provides highlights from the respective news items as well as insight into how Novo may leverage Chugai’s antibody technology.
Abbott announced its Libre 2 CGM system is now available for Medicare patients. Additionally, Senseonics announced that three Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) issued Local Coverage Determinations for the use of implantable CGMs. Below, FENIX provides insight into the Abbott and Senseonics Medicare news, including thoughts on how Abbott is more likely to benefit than Senseonics/Ascensia due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Abbott has officially launched its Libre 2 CGM in the US, although the website (view here) has not yet been updated at the time of this publication. Of note, Abbott disclosed the Libre 2 App remains under review by FDA, suggesting the user must purchase the dedicated reader. Below, FENIX provides an excerpt from the Libre 2 launch email as well as brief thoughts on how the lack of a Libre 2 App could impact the initial launch.
A CT.gov record has been observed for what is believed to be the first Abbott Libre 3 clinical trial. Abbott publicly disclosed the existence of Libre 3 during its Q1 ’19 earnings call (previous FENIX insight). Recall, the Libre 2 CGM was recently approved in the US, but its use with integrated systems is limited due to Vitamin C interference (previous FENIX insight). There is no mention of Vitamin C in the Libre 3 CT.gov record. Below, FENIX provides an overview of the new Libre 3 study as well as potential insight into the timing of its initiation in the context of the Libre 2 US label restrictions.
Abbott and Tandem Diabetes Care announced the finalization of an agreement for the two companies to develop and commercialize “integrated diabetes solutions.” Recall, the companies first announced their intention to work together in October 2019 (previous FENIX insight). Below, FENIX provides thoughts on the partnership, including potential insight into how Abbott may be leveraging the Tandem partnership to deal with the Libre 2 Vitamin C interference issue.
The Libre 2 FDA approval documents have been released, and the answer is now known as to why Libre 2 was not approved to be compatible with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. Below, FENIX provides thoughts and insight into the issue and Abbott’s potential next steps.
Earlier this week, Abbott announced FDA approval of Libre 2, its successor to the highly successful Libre 14 day CGM system (previous FENIX insight). Despite all of the indicated improvements that Libre 2 received, it was clearly worded that Libre 2 is not approved for use with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. Below, FENIX hypothesizes as to the reason.
Following the Libre 2 FDA approval (see previous FENIX insight), Abbott authored a blog post on its website (view here), which includes a patient DTC video (view on Youtube) as well as static images that directly counter-message Dexcom’s G6 CGM. Additionally, the Libre 2 website is now live with a “coming soon” message and webform to be notified when Libre 2 becomes available. Below, FENIX provides an analysis of Abbott’s early Libre 2 messaging/counter-messaging and potential insight into a Dexcom response.