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project info
Start date: 1 April 2018
End date: 30 June 2022
funding
Fund: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Total budget: 3 353 766,20 €
EU contribution: 782 545,45 € (23,333%)
programme
Programming period: 2014-2021
Managing authority: Provincie Gelderland, de leden van het College van Gedeputeerde Staten gezamenlijk

Microneedle Artificial Pancreas: Revolutionizing Diabetes Management in the Netherlands

Integrating Advanced Technologies for Enhanced Blood Sugar Control

Overview: The Microneedle Artificial Pancreas is an innovative system developed through the collaboration of Inreda Diabetic, U-Needle, and the University of Twente. This device automatically monitors and regulates blood glucose levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes by delivering precise amounts of insulin and glucagon via ultra-thin microneedles. This approach offers a less invasive and more efficient alternative to traditional insulin pumps.

Objectives:

  1. Enhance Glucose Regulation: Provide continuous and automated blood sugar monitoring and adjustment to maintain optimal glucose levels.
  2. Improve Patient Comfort: Utilize microneedle technology to reduce discomfort and skin irritation associated with conventional needles.
  3. Simplify Diabetes Management: Alleviate the burden of manual blood sugar monitoring and insulin administration for patients.

Key Features:

  • Microneedle Technology: Employs needles as thin as a human hair and only 1 mm in length, allowing for painless and efficient hormone delivery.
  • Bihormonal Delivery: Administers both insulin and glucagon to effectively manage high and low blood sugar levels.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Features sensors that provide real-time data on glucose levels, enabling prompt and precise adjustments.

Target Audience:

  • Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes: Patients seeking a more convenient and less invasive method for blood sugar management.
  • Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals aiming to offer advanced treatment options for diabetes care.
  • Medical Device Distributors: Companies interested in supplying cutting-edge diabetes management technologies.

Impact: Clinical trials have demonstrated that the Microneedle Artificial Pancreas significantly improves glucose regulation and enhances the quality of life for users. Patients experience more stable blood sugar levels and a reduction in diabetes-related complications. Dutch News

Recognitions and Awards:

  • Willem Kolff Award (2024): Presented to Robin Koops, founder of Inreda Diabetic, for the invention and development of the artificial pancreas. Inreda Diabetic
  • Herman Wijffels Audience Award (2013): Awarded to Inreda Diabetic's artificial pancreas for its significant societal impact. University of Twente
  • National Icon of the Netherlands (2019): Recognized as one of the country's most innovative projects by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

Additional Resources: For more information, visit the Inreda Diabetic official website.

Video Resource:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ArXVuTLD-mQ

Flag of Netherlands  Twente, Netherlands