Abbott and Roche held their Q3 ’18 earnings calls and provided updates on their diabetes businesses. Of note, Abbott disclosed it has reached >1M global Libre users, which is ahead of their YE ’18 goal. No updates were provided on US launch timings for Abbott Libre 2 or Roche Solomicro pump. Below are highlights from the respective events.
Abbott announced it received CE Mark for the FreeStyle Libre 2, which now includes optional real-time alerts/alarms. Abbott said it will price Libre 2 at parity to the original Libre System and the company is planning an EU launch in the coming weeks. Abbott did not disclose its regulatory/commercial plans for the US; however, this remains a large market opportunity for the company and is anticipated in the coming months. Importantly, during Abbott’s EASD symposium, it was shown that the Libre 2 CE Mark approval includes the updated algorithm for overall 14-day accuracy at 9.5% MARD (US is 9.4%). Below, FENIX provides the key highlights and potential implications to the CGM market.
UPDATED: Both Novo connected pens utilize NFC to transmit data. Previously, it was thought that the pens would use Bluetooth since Dexcom and Roche also use Bluetooth.
With the start of the 2018 EASD conference, Novo Nordisk announced upcoming plans to launch two connected reusable pens (NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo) in addition to digital health partnerships with Dexcom, Roche, and Glooko. According to the press release, Novo plans to initiate the launch of its connected pens in Q1 2019. Importantly, Novo also disclosed intentions to launch connected disposable pens “later in 2019.” Below, FENIX provides thoughts on Novo’s connected pens and new partnerships.
Roche announced it has expanded its partnership with Senseonics to integrate data from the Eversense CGM into Roche’s digital diabetes management solutions (mySugr app and Accu-Chek Smart Pix). According to the press release, the data integration will be available by early 2019. Interestingly, the press release does not discuss what geographies are covered in the partnership expansion. While the Roche/Senseonics commercial partnership is currently limited to Ex-US geographies (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), the expansion of their collaboration could suggest that a US partnership/acquisition is on the horizon. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on how Eversense data integration fits into both companies’ strategies.
Roche hosted its Q2 ’18 earnings call and briefly discussed its diabetes devices portfolio including Solo micropump, which recently received CE Mark. Importantly, Roche senior management disclosed their intentions to bring the Solo micropump to the US. Below are highlights from the call including insights from Roche’s recent collaboration and investment in Care Innovations.
Roche has received CE Mark for the Accu-Chek Solo micropump. Recall, during Roche’s Q4 ’17 earnings call, the company added the Solo micropump to its European launch timeline. The device had been noticeably absent in recent years. In the coming weeks, Roche will initiate a limited pilot launch starting in Austria, Poland, Switzerland, and the UK. Below, FENIX provides insight into the Solo micropump including its potential use in a closed-loop system.
CeQur announced it has acquired global rights to commercialize the OneTouch Via patch pump. CeQur’s interest in OneTouch Via is curious since CeQur has developed its own patch pump (PaQ). According to the press release, CeQur plans to launch the OneTouch Via (branded under a new, undisclosed name) in mid-2019. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on whether CeQur will commercialize both devices as well as insight into the T2DM pump market.