Johnson & Johnson to close insulin pump businesses

One of the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies, Animas Corporation has recently announced that it is going to close operations and quit the insulin pump market, stop the production and sale of Animas Vibe and OneTouch Ping insulin pumps, .

Patients using an Animas insulin pump will be offered the option to transfer to a Medtronic pump.

Animas has selected Medtronic plc as its partner-of-choice to facilitate a seamless transition for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.

Valerie Asbury, General Manager of Animas Corporation said, "We recognize that patients living with diabetes rely on our products to provide critical care, and we want to reassure them that we will be with them every step of the way throughout this transition. 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."

"We are incredibly grateful to our patients and healthcare partners for the trust, confidence and loyalty they have placed in Animas products over the last 12 years. 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", he added.

Approximately 90,000 patients currently use Animas pumps and products.

Animas has stopped the sale of all Animas Vibe and OneTouch Ping insulin pumps in the U.S. and Canada, effective immediately. A decision and timing to exit countries outside of the U.S. and Canada is subject to completing consultation with relevant works councils. For those who currently use Animas pumps and products, such as patients, caregivers and healthcare providers out of U.S. and Canada, Animas will keep the sail of pumps and operate as usual.