Artificial Pancreas

Current artificial pancreases, partially or totally implantable, have two main limitations: components of the device protrude outside of the patient, and the device requires periodic replacements/modifications. In this latter case, surgery is required to replace batteries and insulin. The proposed device, being fully implantable, does not compromise the patient’s daily activities, and does not require subsequent surgical intervention for battery and insulin replacement. Battery has wireless charging and insulin is delivered by swallowable capsules.

The invention is an implantable device, able to delivery insulin in a controlled way. It is made of a detection glucose unity, which detects deficiency or excess of insulin in interstitial fluids, and an infusion unit located in the peritoneal cavity, located near the pancreas endocrine part.

The infusion unit consists of a control unit, capable of

processing acquired data and triggering a command when the release of insulin is required. Infusion unit also incorporates a wireless rechargeable energy generator.

Ingestible insulin carrier, made of pierceable and gastric acid resistant material, is transported and attracted by the use of magnetisable parts. When the carrier is fixed in place, a needle pierces the capsule shell, transferring the insulin to the storage unit, and consequently to the infusion sub-unit. Once the insulin has been transferred, the needle returns to his initial position, realising the capsule, which is excreted from the body via the digestive tract.

The research team has recently obtained a European funding (H2020) which will allow the group to develop the technology and to arrive at a first-in-human implant over the next 4 years. The group is interested in establishing contacts with partners (medical device companies, investors, etc.) to begin discussing and dealing with the possible next step, namely certification and market entry.