Diabeloop, a pioneer in automated insulin delivery, will collaborate with Novo Nordisk to integrate DBL-4pen, Diabeloop’s self-learning algorithm for MDI therapy, with Novo Nordisk’s connected and reusable insulin pens, NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus with DBL-4pen.

DBL-4pen is a self-learning basal and bolus recommendation app for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who take multiple daily insulin injections (MDI).

NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus are connected pens with a dose memory function that keeps a history of the last 800 insulin injections and shows on a built-in digital display the number of units administered during the last injection, as well as the time since that injection.

Data transfer from the connected pen to an external device is based on Near Field Communication (NFC). 

“We are proud to be able to further expand our DBL-4pen interoperability strategy with this collaboration with Novo Nordisk,” said Cécile Ferracci, CCO of Diabeloop. “Our collaboration aims to bring more automated solutions to people with diabetes, optimizing their outcomes and improving their quality of life. With DBL-4pen, we have developed an efficient self-learning algorithm for insulin dose recommendation, a significant step forward for MDI therapy, and we are excited to explore this with the innovative generation of NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus connected insulin pens.”

The clinical program will assess the efficacy and safety of DBL-4pen mobile application on glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Diabeloop will then initiate a dedicated clinical study, to assess the efficacy and the clinical benefits of the combined solution connecting DBL-4pen with NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus connected pens. NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus data will transmit to the DBL-4pen self-learning algorithm which will recommend the dose of insulin to be injected in real-time from input data such as meals and exercise.

Diabeloop plans to address first the Type 2 population on intensive insulin treatment before expanding to people with Type 1 diabetes who do not have access to or desire to wear an insulin pump.

“We are delighted about this collaboration with Diabeloop – a company that has a shared ambition of bringing innovative digital health solutions to help people manage their diabetes,” said Thomas Thestrup-Terp, corporate vice president, Digital Strategy and Solutions, Novo Nordisk. “Smart insulin pens offer digital connectivity for people living with diabetes and the potential to automatically recommend the ideal insulin dose in real-time. This could significantly improve the way diabetes medicines are used. We look forward to the data from the upcoming clinical study, to look at the potential benefits of NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus alongside DBL-4pen.”