SFC Fluidics, Inc. Awarded $225,000 Grant to Develop a Dual Hormone Patch Pump for Patients with Diabetes
Fayetteville, Arkansas (PRWEB) September 14, 2016 -- SFC Fluidics® is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $225,000 grant to support early stage development of a dual hormone patch pump for patients with diabetes.
There are 4 million insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetics worldwide and this number is expected to increase over time. The challenges of maintaining proper glycemic control are particularly difficult for young patients who understandably dislike the multiple needle sticks required for measuring blood glucose levels and delivering the appropriate insulin or glucagon doses. SFC’s proposed patch pump system will have the necessary safety features and dose accuracy that will allow automated insulin and glucagon dosing to achieve fine-tuned glycemic control in patients with Type 1 diabetes.
SFC Fluidics’ proprietary ePump® system can control the delivery of both insulin and glucagon in a discreet patch pump that is the same size as the insulin-only patch pumps currently on the market. A second proprietary feature of the proposed system is a flow confirmation sensor that determines whether dose administration has occurred as expected in real-time. This sensor will quickly alert to any problems within the patch pump such as occlusions, leaks, depleted drug supply and any mechanical/electrical failure.
“SFC’s patch pump system combines safety, convenience and small size with excellent drug dosing accuracy and precision. We think the proposed system will be especially attractive to adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and will serve the broader diabetic community as well. What’s more, we see the dual hormone drug delivery system as a vital part of a future state-of-the-art artificial pancreas,” remarked Greg Lamps, SFC’s Vice President of Product Realization. Successful completion of this Phase I project will make the company eligible for Phase II SBIR funding of up to $1.5 million.
SFC Fluidics, Inc. has a mission to advance healthcare and improve quality of life through our enabling microfluidic technologies. The company’s vision is to become a recognized global leader in the drug delivery and health monitoring markets where our unique product lines improve lifestyle and affordability. SFC Fluidics® is a VIC Technology Venture Development™ portfolio company.
The described research is supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, under Award Number R43DK110972. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Ashley Shemain, VP of Mktg & Business Development, SFC Fluidics, Inc., http://www.sfc-fluidics.com/, (479) 527-6810, [email protected]
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