Janina Lim – Fourth Estate Contributor
Brooklyn, PA, United States PA – Johnson & Johnson’s Animas Corporation said it intends to shut operations and exit the insulin pump business.
The diabetes-care company said its plans discontinue the manufacturing and sale of its Animas® Vibe® and OneTouch Ping® insulin pumps, altogether.
The firm has halted sales in the US and Canada while a decision and timing to exit countries outside of these countries is still subject to completing consultation with relevant works councils.
“With changing needs of customers, rapidly evolving market dynamics, and increased competitive pressures, it proved too difficult to sustain the insulin pump business and we decided to pursue an exit of the business. This decision was extremely difficult and comes following the extensive exploration of all other viable options for the Animas business,” said Valerie Asbury, General Manager of Animas.
The firm assured that it will continue to sell pumps and operate as usual to serve patients, caregivers and healthcare providers outside of the U.S. and Canada who currently use Animas pumps and products,
Also, Johnson & Johnson announced last January its continuing evaluation of the potential strategic options for LifeScan, Inc., a world leader in blood glucose monitoring with the OneTouch® brand of products.
As an alternative, the firm has selected Medtronic plc (MDT), a world leader in diabetes, as its partner to facilitate a seamless transition for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.
Patients using an Animas insulin pump will be offered the option to transfer to a Medtronic pump, the firm said.
Animas assured it will continue to provide customer service, training and warranty support, including providing pump supplies that are used in conjunction with the Animas® Vibe® and OneTouch Ping® insulin pumps, through a transition period.
“Our number one priority is ensuring patients have a seamless experience as they transition to Medtronic. For over 30 years, Medtronic has been a global leader in the treatment of those living with diabetes, and we are confident they will provide outstanding support to our patients and their healthcare teams,” Asbury added.
Some 90,000 patients currently adopt Animas pumps and products.
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