BEDFORD, Mass., April 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The OmniPod(R) Insulin Management System, designed and produced by Insulet Corporation , today won a 2009 Edison Best New Product Award(TM). The product was honored with the Gold Award in the Science and Medical category in recognition of its innovative design that offers people living with insulin-dependent diabetes all the benefits of insulin pump therapy, with unprecedented freedom, comfort and ease in managing their diabetes.
The OmniPod(R) Insulin Management System is the first and only continuous insulin delivery system of its kind on the market. Unlike conventional insulin pumps, the OmniPod System has no tubing and features automated, virtually pain-free insertion. It has just two, wireless components: the Pod -- a, compact, lightweight, self-adhesive insulin delivery device that is worn discreetly on the skin beneath clothing; and the Personal Diabetes Manager -- a wireless, menu-driven, hand-held device that programs the Pod.
OmniPod user Ethan Alexander of San Francisco, who attended the awards ceremony held in Mountain View, CA, is one such person who benefits from the product's unique features. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999 and initially used conventional insulin pumps to deliver his insulin. "Those pumps weren't right for me because I have an active life that includes surfing and playing soccer," Mr. Alexander said. "The tubing frequently got in the way, keeping me from doing what I wanted."
"OmniPod lets me live my life my way and is the best choice for me. I now can freely engage in all these activities while receiving my insulin, because it has no tubing, is watertight, durable and is always on me. As a professional in the world of technology myself, I appreciate OmniPod's advanced wireless capabilities and diabetes management -- it's truly one of a kind," he added.
Insulet Co-Founder John Garibotto, who played a central role in the OmniPod System's development, further explained what sets it apart: "The Pod is a key part of OmniPod's revolutionary design. It holds the pumping mechanism in a disposable, self-contained device that is worn for up to three days at a time and then replaced. We were able to eliminate the need for tubing by separating the controls and user interface from the insulin delivery mechanism."
The Edison Best New Product Awards, sponsored this year by Google, The Nielsen Company and Steelcase, focus on new products and services that excel in marketplace innovation, marketplace success, technological innovation, market structure innovation, and societal impact. These criteria align with Edison's own innovation best practices, called the Five Competencies of Innovation. Winners were selected by members of the national Marketing Executive Network Group, who cast their ballots for entries they deemed worthy of being linked to the Edison name.
"We are deeply grateful that OmniPod has been honored by the Edison Awards for the positive impact it has on the lives of people with diabetes," said Duane DeSisto, president and CEO of Insulet Corporation. "We created OmniPod from scratch using a customer focused approach. With the input of people living with diabetes, we were able to design a unique, easy-to-use insulin delivery system that allows our customers to get the best treatment and live their lives to the fullest."
For more information on OmniPod, visit http://www.myomnipod.com/. About The Edison Awards:
The Edison Best New Products Award(TM) honors excellence in new product development, marketing and innovation. They recognize the persistence and excellence Thomas Edison personified, qualities which have allowed America to remain in the forefront of innovation, creativity, and ingenuity in the global economy. The Edison Achievement Award(TM) honors business leaders who have displayed the persistence, collaboration, and creativity necessary to promote successful innovation in their organizations. For more information about The Edison Awards, visit http://www.edisonawards.com/.
About Insulet Corporation
Insulet Corporation is an innovative medical device company dedicated to improving the lives of people with diabetes. The Company's OmniPod Insulin Management System is a revolutionary, discreet and easy-to-use insulin infusion system that features two easy-to-use parts with no tubing and fully-automated cannula insertion. Through the OmniPod System, Insulet seeks to expand the use of insulin pump therapy among people with insulin-dependent diabetes. Founded in 2000, Insulet is based in Bedford, MA.
Media Contacts: Rachel Kessler Lazar Partners 917-660-0608 rkessler@lazarpartners.com Erich Sandoval Lazar Partners 917-497-2867 esandoval@lazarpartners.com
Insulet Corporation
CONTACT: Rachel Kessler, +1-917-660-0608, rkessler@lazarpartners.com, or
Erich Sandoval, +1-917-497-2867, esandoval@lazarpartners.com, both of Lazar
Partners
Web Site: http://www.edisonawards.com/
http://www.myomnipod.com/
