Abbott Goes 'Bionic' in Latest Diabetes Tech Collaboration

Abbott Laboratories is back with another collaboration in the diabetes tech space. The Abbott Park, IL-based company announced an agreement with Beta Bionics, the developer of the iLet Bionic Pancreas.

Under the agreement, Beta Bionics will integrate iLet into the Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). The iLet Bionic Pancreas is an autonomous insulin delivery system that streamlines diabetes management and reduces the burden on patients and physicians.

“Beta Bionics developed the iLet Bionic Pancreas to offer the type 1 community a way to manage their diabetes with less burden and more convenience. Part of that convenience is offering choice,” said Sean Saint, CEO of Beta Bionics. “This partnership with Abbott will enable us to offer a choice of iCGMs so users will be able to customize their iLet diabetes management experience with the CGM they know and trust.”

The iLet Bionic Pancreas will be the first AID integration of FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus available in the United States. The integration will launch in 4Q24 and will offer people a new way to manage their type 1 diabetes. The companies said an easy software update to the iLet will allow users to have a choice of iCGMs when they set up a new sensor.

With both Beta Bionics’ and Abbott's ability to sell products through the pharmacy, users of the integrated platform will benefit from the ease of obtaining supplies with an innovative pay-as-you-go model. The iLet and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus will also be available through durable medical equipment distributors. 

Related:Investors ‘Pop’ for Bionic Pancreas Solution to Diabetes

This is Abbott’s second high-profile collaboration in diabetes tech in nearly a month’s time. In early August, the company teamed up with its rival, Medtronic.

Under the partnership Abbott would design a CGM that Medtronic would market and sell.