One of the most exciting developments in diabetes tech is Niia, a patch pump in development at Pharmasens, with a roadmap toward becoming an integrated pump + continuous glucose monitor (CGM). In my interview with Pharmasens, they laid out their vision: the Niia Essential is the first in a planned lineup of three, eventually leading to Niia Signature, which would combine insulin delivery and glucose sensing in a single, tubeless device.

What stands out is how Pharmasens has built modularity into Niia from day one. The Essential model is a basal-bolus tubeless pump with a 3 mL insulin reservoir, semi-reusable electronics (lasting two years), and ease-of-use front and center. Future Niia versions—Advanced and Signature—are slated to add external CGM connectivity and eventually full all-in-one functionality. (Pharmasens refers to this as a “pump + sensor in one patch” design).

One of the design strengths is the shared base technology among the three Niia models. That means users might someday be able to upgrade to the all-in-one patch without replacing the entire system. The patch’s needle insertion uses a patented method that simplifies application, combining the sensor and cannula into one step.

To accelerate this vision, Pharmasens recently entered a strategic partnership with SiBionics, the Chinese CGM manufacturer. This collaboration is a one step toward integrating SiBionics’ compact GS3 CGM technology into the Niia system to bring the goal of a fully self-contained insulin pump and CGM closer to reality. As this partnership progresses, it could play a key role in realizing the hybrid closed-loop system Pharmasens envisions for Niia in future models.

Niia’s journey is still ongoing. Pharmasens is working on its FDA 510(k) filing for the Essential pump and refining designs for future models. The ideal future: a user wears a single patch, gets real-time glucose readings and insulin delivery, and the burden of juggling and connecting multiple devices is reduced.

If you’re curious about what this all-in-one concept can deliver—and when it might arrive—watch the full Niia video above.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.