At the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions MiniMed showed off the new MiniMed Flex system. Flex is a sleek, screenless, smartphone-controlled pump that is about half the size of its predecessor, the 780G. Much like the 780G, Flex still holds 300 units of insulin and uses the same reservoirs and infusion sets. It charges fully in 30 minutes via an inductive charger and lasts 7 days. The pump is controlled through a redesigned app on iOS and Android and supports Apple Watch connectivity, daytime/nighttime alarm customization, and CareLink data sharing with up to five followers.

MiniMed’s EVP and Chief Product and Technology Officer, Ali Dianaty, came on the podcast to walk us through all of the new features with Flex. Ali also surprised us with a first look and the upcoming tubeless pump, called MiniMed Fit. The device is made up of a disposable component holding 300 units of insulin with a built-in cannula and a reusable "brain" that is waterproof and Bluetooth-enabled. Users receive two reusable units so one can always be charging while the other is in use, making swaps seamless and eliminating downtime. Ali revealed MiniMed has a fall regulatory submission planned for the device.

MiniMed Fit enters an increasingly competitive patch pump race to the marketplace previously monopolized by Insulet’s Omnipod. Tandem, Beta Bionics, and PharmaSens all have patch pumps in the works.

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