BY SEAN WHOOLEY

The Omnipod 5 hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system worn on the back of an arm.
[Image courtesy of Insulet]

Insulet (Nasdaq:PODD) supports new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance supporting automated insulin delivery for type 1 diabetes.

NICE published guidance recommending hybrid closed-loop systems for eligible people with type 1 diabetes in England and Wales.

Hybrid closed-loop systems, like the Insulet Omnipod 5, deliver insulin automatically based on calculations from glucose monitors. Medtronic, Tandem Diabetes Care and Beta Bionics also compete with Insulet in the automated insulin delivery space. Medtronic applauded automated insulin delivery recommendations from NICE last month.

NICE’s guidance, published this week, outlines that the systems require less input from the user, but manual insulin dosing is still needed sometimes, for example, around mealtimes. So, they may reduce the mental burden and improve people’s quality of life.

In a LinkedIn post from the company’s official account, Insulet commended the latest NICE recommendation:
“Insulet is delighted to see this hybrid closed-loop technology recommendation from NICE and is privileged to have been involved. As the NHS considers how to implement its five-year plan, Insulet’s pathway program will help support the implementation every step of the way, so even more people can access Omnipod 5.”

More info about the NICE guidance

NICE said clinical trial and real-world evidence demonstrate more effectiveness in hybrid closed-loop systems compared to the standard of care.

It recommended the systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes. The recommendation includes adults with an HbA1c of 7.5% or more or have disabling hypoglycemia. It also applies to children and young people only if procured at a cost-effective price agreed upon by companies and NHS.

NICE also recommended the option for women, trans men and non-binary people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Again, the agency outlined the cost-effectiveness of the system as a key factor.

The recommendation said people should only use the systems with the support of a trained multidisciplinary team.

“Hybrid closed-loop systems are likely to be more cost-effective for children and young people than adults, so they are also recommended for children and young people irrespective of their HbA1c level,” NICE wrote. “And because blood glucose levels are harder to manage in pregnancy, they are also recommended for women, trans men and non-binary people with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.”