Strategic Alliance Announcement

By Lisa Foster-McNulty, MSN, RN, CDE

In this strategic alliance, the Ascensia Contour Next One blood glucose monitoring system (BGMS) will connect to Insulet’s Omnipod Dash System.  This next-generation Omnipod system is currently being developed.  This innovative continuous insulin delivery system will be powered by highly accurate blood glucose (BG) readings. 

Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the Contour Next One will pair with the Omnipod Dash Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) to “beam” BG results directly into the system.  The Dash PDM will then use the results to calculate insulin dosing and provide highly accurate insulin delivery.  Insulet plans to develop the Omnipod Dash PDM and apply for marketing clearance, in collaboration with Ascensia. 

In November 2016, the FDA gave clearance to the Contour Next One BGMS, which meets the stricter requirements for accuracy that were mandated in 2016.  Research showed that 95% of BG readings checked with the Contour Next One BGMS were within 8.4 mg/dl (0.5 mmol/L) or 8.4% of the reference results for fingerstick testing. 

It’s always cool to hear about new products that are in development!   

Omnipod’s tubeless pump is very popular, and we are big fans of using the most accurate glucose meter possible for people who use insulin.  We look forward to this new product becoming available down the road.