Six Questions with Amir Omidvar, Ph.D.

In this installment of Diabetes Made Visible, Amir Omidvar, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Pocket Clinic, joined me for a quick interview. Pocket Clinic is developing the first 7-day patch pump, integrating electrical engineering with a continuous glucose monitor. Enjoy the article!

NI: Hi Amir! Can you tell me a little about your company's origin story (Pocket Clinic)?

AO: Yeah, Neil, thank you very much for having me here. It’s a pleasure to share our journey. The origin of Pocket Clinic dates back to when my wife and I moved to Brazil to pursue our PhDs. During that time, my grandmother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and had to start insulin injections, which were quite painful. My background in biomedical engineering made me realize I could find a solution to the struggles faced by my family and others. We noticed in Brazil that newer technologies and treatments were expensive and not easily accessible. That motivated us to start the smart injector project in Brazil, and now we’ve relocated to Canada to explore further opportunities.

NI: Can you say more about how location influenced your decision?

AO: I found it challenging for new technologies to reach patients due to high costs. In some countries, insurance covers these expenses, but in others, like Brazil, there’s little to no coverage, leaving patients to pay out of pocket. We felt there should be an affordable solution that provides flexibility and convenience, even for those without insurance coverage. This is the main reason we focus on offering a cost-effective solution that doesn’t add financial strain.

NI: To put things in perspective, can you compare Pocket Clinic to MDI?

AO: Sure. While MDI is cost-effective, it has limitations. It causes significant fluctuations in glucose levels, which can’t be managed continuously. People tend to rely on MDI because of the cost factor. When we spoke to people outside Brazil, they shared similar challenges in finding an affordable alternative. This motivated us to develop a solution that provides the benefits of continuous infusion without significantly increasing expenses.

NI: Do you have patients currently using the devices in Brazil?

AO: Not yet. We’re still in the regulatory phase and planning a clinical study in Canada next year. So, for now, it’s not available on the market.

NI: Considering market sizes, do you see yourself relocating to the US or staying in Canada?

AO: Our primary market is the US due to its large diabetes population and easier access to advanced technology, partly because insurance covers some of the costs. This allows us to enter that market more effectively. However, our strategy is to be locally focused. For instance, in Latin America, we aim to manufacture the device locally, providing cost benefits and accessibility to other regions.

NI: Why is your system better than what’s currently available?

AO: Our technology is fundamentally different from conventional pumps, which use motors to drive a shaft and plunger for insulin delivery. We utilize MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) for actuation, rotating around a micromillimeter scale. This minimizes rotations, allowing for very small, precise doses of insulin, which helps in controlling blood glucose more effectively. Our approach mimics a non-diabetic body’s gradual insulin release, avoiding large spikes that can lead to rapid drops and side effects.

Another differentiator is the size of our device. Unlike other pumps, ours allows for fixed dosing and flexibility. With its compact design, you can switch between different cartridges based on your needs, avoiding commitment to a single pump.

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