Animas Corporation: Company Profile

Background

Animas Corporation, established in 1996, was a leading developer and manufacturer of insulin infusion pumps and related products designed to enhance diabetes management. The company's mission was to improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes through innovative technology and exceptional customer support. In December 2005, Animas was acquired by Johnson & Johnson for approximately $518 million, integrating its operations into the Johnson & Johnson Family of Diabetes Companies.

Key Strategic Focus

Animas specialized in the development of insulin delivery systems, notably the OneTouch® Ping™ Glucose Management System, which combined an insulin pump with a wireless blood glucose meter-remote. The company's strategic focus was on providing comprehensive solutions for diabetes care, emphasizing product innovation, customer education, and support services.

Financials and Funding

Animas was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in December 2005 for $518 million. Prior to the acquisition, Animas was a privately held company, and specific details regarding its funding history and total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.

Pipeline Development

Animas was involved in several collaborative projects aimed at advancing diabetes care:

• OneTouch® Ping™ Glucose Management System: A joint development with LifeScan, Inc., this system integrated an insulin pump with a wireless blood glucose meter-remote, allowing patients to manage their diabetes more effectively.

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)-Enabled Insulin Pump: In partnership with DexCom, Inc., Animas worked on developing an insulin pump system integrated with continuous glucose monitoring technology, enhancing real-time glucose tracking for patients.

• Artificial Pancreas Project: Collaborating with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Animas aimed to develop an automated insulin delivery system, known as the artificial pancreas, to improve blood glucose control for individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Animas was recognized for its innovative approach to diabetes management, particularly through the development of the OneTouch® Ping™ system, which allowed wireless communication between the insulin pump and the blood glucose meter-remote. This integration aimed to simplify diabetes management by enabling patients to perform key tasks remotely, such as checking blood glucose levels and delivering insulin doses.

Leadership Team and Collaborations

Specific details about Animas's leadership team prior to its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson are limited. However, the company's strategic direction and product development were guided by its executive team, which worked closely with partners like LifeScan, Inc., DexCom, Inc., and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to advance diabetes care technologies.

Strategic collaborations included:

• LifeScan, Inc.: Collaborated to develop the OneTouch® Ping™ Glucose Management System, integrating insulin delivery with blood glucose monitoring.

• DexCom, Inc.: Partnered to develop a continuous glucose monitoring-enabled insulin pump system, aiming to provide real-time glucose tracking.

• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: Worked together on the Artificial Pancreas Project to develop an automated insulin delivery system for type 1 diabetes patients.

Leadership Changes and Operational Insights

In October 2017, Animas Corporation announced its decision to discontinue the manufacturing and sale of its insulin pumps and exit the insulin pump business. This decision led to the closure of operations and affected approximately 410 employees. The decision was influenced by changing customer needs, evolving market dynamics, and increased competitive pressures. At the time, approximately 90,000 patients were using Animas pumps and products.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The insulin pump market is characterized by rapid technological advancements and intense competition. Key players include:

• Medtronic MiniMed: A division of Medtronic, Inc., offering a range of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems.

• Insulet Corporation: Known for its Omnipod insulin management system, providing tubeless insulin pumps.

• Tandem Diabetes Care: Offers touchscreen insulin pumps with integrated continuous glucose monitoring.

The market is evolving with a focus on integrating insulin delivery with continuous glucose monitoring and developing automated insulin delivery systems.

Competitor Analysis

• Medtronic MiniMed: A leading competitor with a comprehensive portfolio of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Medtronic's extensive resources and global reach position it as a dominant player in the market.

• Insulet Corporation: Offers the Omnipod system, a tubeless insulin pump, catering to patients seeking discreet and convenient diabetes management solutions.

• Tandem Diabetes Care: Provides touchscreen insulin pumps with integrated continuous glucose monitoring, appealing to tech-savvy patients interested in advanced diabetes management tools.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Following the exit from the insulin pump market, Animas's strategic direction focused on evaluating potential strategic options for its remaining diabetes care business, including LifeScan, Inc., a leader in blood glucose monitoring with the OneTouch® brand of products. The company remained committed to serving those impacted by diabetes through innovative products, services, and solutions from its Medical Device, Pharmaceuticals, and Consumer businesses.