Feasibility of Artificial Pancreas System Demonstrated in Real-World Setting

--JDRF-funded research demonstrates the feasibility of a wearable artificial pancreas to control blood sugar levels in first outpatient study--

NEW YORK, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --JDRF, a global leader in type 1 diabetes(T1D) research, is pleased to announce that an outpatient study being conducted at multiple academic institutions has demonstrated the safety and feasibility of artificial pancreas (AP) device testing on an ambulatory basis. The research, funded by JDRF, was presented this weekend at the 72nd American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions.

The pilot study, the first ever to be conducted on an outpatient basis, is being conducted concurrently at the Montpellier University Hospital (France) and the University of Padova (Italy), with additional testing being done at the University of Virginia and Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (United States). The goal of the study is to test the feasibility of an AP system that links an insulin pump with a blood glucose sensor through special software housed in a smart phone. The smart phone acts as a control device with the ability to monitor blood glucose levels and control the administration of insulin wirelessly, while a 3G connection allows remote monitoring of the system by the investigational team.

The presentation at the ADA Scientific Sessions focused on two study participants who used the AP continuously out of the hospital for 18 hours, including during dinner, an overnight stay in a hotel, breakfast, and a morning walk. One patient was able to remain within near-normal values throughout the entire period of evaluation, while the other patient was kept within near-normal range 78 percent of the time. Neither patient required medical intervention.

"What we have seen in these studies is that the artificial pancreas is safe and feasible for the purposes of outpatient testing in a 'real-world' environment—an important milestone," noted Dr. Aaron Kowalski, assistant vice president of treat therapies at JDRF. "JDRF is looking forward to the completion of these pilot studies both in Europe and in the United States, to help move us toward pivotal efficacy studies in a larger number of patients."

"After so many years of waiting for the availability of an artificial pancreas for widespread use, the success of this initial experience gives great hope to patients with type 1 diabetes that their disease will one day be controlled automatically, significantly reducing the burden of their disease," said Dr. Eric Renard, lead investigator at the University of Montpellier. "The patients that have been involved with this study so far have all recognized and appreciated the major benefits of such a system."

About the Artificial Pancreas
The artificial pancreas (AP) is an external device under development which people with T1D could use to do what their bodies cannot—control both high and low blood sugar around the clock. It works by combining a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump with sophisticated computer software to automatically provide the right amount of insulin at the right time.

About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.

Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to T1D research. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. Past JDRF research efforts have helped to significantly improve the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. For more information, please visit www.jdrf.org.

SOURCE Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation