Beginnings
1979 – university of alabama
Legend has it that the concept of MiniMed occurred back in 1979. At that time, Alfred E. Mann, then the CEO of Pacesetter Systems, was showing a new pacemaker design to clinicians at the University of Alabama. The chief cardiologist impressed upon Al the severity of heart problems due to diabetes and suggested that Al research the feasibility of an insulin pump. This moment started Al's interest in creating an insulin pump to improve the lives of diabetes patients.1980 – research and development get under way
With his interest in insulin pumps piqued, Al Mann forms a team to develop an implantable insulin pump in conjunction with NASA and the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University. The team created becomes Pacesetter Systems Infusion Division. The same strong commitment to research and development that began in 1980 continues in the company today.1983 – First Insulin Pump To Market
At the 1983 American Diabetes Association convention, the company introduces its first insulin pump – the MiniMed 502. Little more than a rudimentary product, the MiniMed 502 insulin pump is soon followed by the MiniMed 502A insulin pump, which represents a major technological breakthrough in both size and programmability over all previous insulin pumps.1985 – MiniMed Officially Born
With the MiniMed 502A insulin pump proving itself in the market, Pacesetter Systems spins off its fledgling insulin pump business as MiniMed Technologies Limited.
1985, June – MiniMed 504 Insulin Pump Arrives
From the first release of the MiniMed 502 insulin pump, the company begins conducting user surveys to identify features that customers most desire. In June of 1985, the MiniMed 504 insulin pump is released, developed in large measure from these surveys. Its most important improvement is the introduction of menu driven programming, which greatly improves the insulin pump's ease of use.1986 – Introduction of Polyfin® Infusion Sets
The company realises early on that in order for insulin pump therapy to succeed, the issue of insulin stability necessitates improvements in the infusion sets. To meet this challenge, the company develops a completely new type of insulin-friendly tubing. The result is the tri-layer Polyfin® infusion set which dramatically improves the longevity of insulin.1986, November – Implantable Insulin Pump
After years of development, Dr. Christopher Saudek implants the first MiniMed implantable insulin pump in a patient at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In 1995, CE approval is granted to market this model implantable insulin pump throughout Europe.1987 – Introduction Of The Sof-set® Infusion Set
As insulin pump therapy matures, customer comfort increasingly becomes a priority. A major milestone in insulin pump therapy is the introduction in 1987 of the Sof-set® infusion set. The Sof-set is the first infusion set to replace the metal needle with a soft flexible cannula that rests just below the skin. The Sof-set sets a new standard for infusion comfort.1988, April – MiniMed Inducted Into Hall Of Fame
The company receives a prestigious honor with its induction into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. An award is given for applying NASA technology to the "down-to-earth" practicality of the implantable insulin pump.Early history
1992, june – Minimed technologies spin-offs
With Research & Development projects taking distinct directions, MiniMed Technologies divides into 3 companies; an intravenous insulin pump, the MiniMed III, is acquired by Siemens and becomes Siemens Infusion Systems. A neural stimulation project becomes Advanced Bionics Corporation, and develops the Clarion, a cochlear implant that aids the profoundly deaf. The microinfusion segment continues as MiniMed Inc., with a charter to develop products to aid people with diabetes and various other chronic diseases.1992 – First Professional Education Seminar
To help medical professionals keep pace with the developments in insulin pump therapy, the company initiates its first symposia series on the benefits and techniques of insulin pump therapy and the significance of tight glycaemic control.1992 – Launch Of The MiniMed 506 Insulin Pump
The MiniMed 506 insulin pump is introduced in 1992. This insulin pump is a major redesign over earlier insulin pumps in its programming, electronics and mechanics. The MiniMed 506 insulin pump delivers many advanced features, such as meal bolus memory and daily insulin totals.1994 – Introduction Of Quick Release®
Continuing to address customer comfort, the company introduces the first device that allows the insulin pump user to temporarily detach from the insulin pump. Located close to infusion site, the Quick Release – or QR – delivers a new level of freedom and flexibility.Modern times
1995, july – MiniMed, inc. goes public
MiniMed goes public with a successful initial public offering. Shares begin trading on the NASDAQ, at $13.00 per share under the trading symbol: MNMD.1996, June – Introduction Of the MiniMed 507 Insulin Pump
The MiniMed 507 insulin pump includes new features such as: an LCD backlight, audio bolus, square wave bolus, increased memory, new styling and colors!1996 – Clinical Trials For Glucose Sensor Begin
A critical component in ultimately creating a "closed-loop" insulin delivery system, the firm's glucose sensor moves from the laboratory bench to actual clinical trials.1997, April – APEX Award
The MiniMed 507 insulin pump earns the company the very prestigious American Product Excellence (APEX) Award for outstanding design, development, marketing practices.1997, June – Introduction of the Sof-serter®
Because the comfort of wearing an insulin pump is so important; the company offers a complete line of "sertable" infusion sets. The Sof-serter is designed to automatically insert an infusion set correctly and with virtually no pain!1997, August – Introduction of the Silhouette® Infusion Set
A new infusion set, the Silhouette, and a sertable insertion device, the Sil-serter, are made available. The Silhouette combines an angled insertion with the convenience of disconnecting at the infusion site. It is particularly well suited for leaner people and young children due to its insertion angle.1998, June – Introduction of the MiniMed 507C Insulin Pump
The company introduces the MiniMed 507C insulin pump. New features include a dual wave bolus, unlimited basal rates, and increased memory.1999, June – FDA Approves New Physician-Use Glucose Monitoring System
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the first ambulatory physician-use continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). CGMS is an "historical device" that records glucose values over a 3-day period – trend data is downloaded in a healthcare professional's office for analysis. This system is used for establishing a baseline glucose profile, initiating and monitoring therapy, and determining appropriate intervention if a patient is encountering problems with their glucose control.1999, August – Launch of the Model 407C Infusion Insulin Pump for General Medication Use
The firm launches its Model 407C infusion insulin pump, which can be used to treat various medical conditions, other than diabetes. The Model 407C delivers medications suitable for subcutaneous administration and is similar to the company's insulin pumps for the treatment of diabetes.1999, October – Introduction of the MiniMed 508 Insulin Pump
The company announces the introduction the MiniMed 508 insulin pump, which offers several new features, including remote programming capabilities to administer or suspend insulin delivery, and the capability to program multiple patient-specific delivery patterns. The MiniMed 508 insulin pump also includes a low volume alert, an optional vibrate mode, and a child-block feature to restrict programming.1999, September – Sof-set Micro QR® Infusion Set Receives FDA Clearance
The Sof-set Micro QR infusion set receives FDA clearance in September 1999. The infusion set also bears a CE mark, enabling it to be marketed in the United States and European Union. The Sof-set Micro QR improves patient comfort by reducing the length of the cannula, and contains the company's quick release feature, which enables customers to temporarily disconnect from their infusion insulin pumps.2000, February – Approval to CE Mark the Next Generation Implantable Insulin Pump
CE mark approval is received for the Model 2007-A implantable insulin pump on February 2, 2000, enabling the device to be commercially distributed in Europe. This next generation implantable insulin pump contains several technology improvements, such as improved memory and a longer battery life, and is lighter in weight than its predecessor insulin pump. In March 2003, the U-400 insulin (semi-synthetic insulin) made by Aventis and used with the implantable insulin pump is approved by AFSSAPS, the French regulatory authority.2001, March – The Quick-set® Infusion Set is Unveiled
The Quick-set infusion set combines the most favorable features of existing infusion sets into one product, including a low profile disconnect at the infusion site and a 90-degree soft cannula. Using our sertable insertion device, the Quick-set infusion set is inserted virtually painlessly at the touch of a button.2001, august – Medtronic acquires Minimed
MiniMed, Inc. and Medical Research Group (MRG) are combined to create Medtronic Diabetes, which is headquartered in Northridge, California. As Medtronic's diabetes business unit, the company continues its pioneering leadership in diabetes management with specialties in insulin delivery, continuous glucose monitoring, advanced algorithm development and therapy management software.Present
2002, february – inauguration of the Minimed Paradigm® insulin pump
The MiniMed Paradigm 511 insulin pump is an entirely new insulin pump platform from Medtronic Diabetes. The insulin pump uses a AAA battery to provide more convenience for users and features an intuitive new menu system, making insulin pump therapy easier to teach, learn and use.2002, September – New Grant Program To Support Local Community
Medtronic Diabetes announces a new grant program to assist non-profit organizations whose programs support health, education and human services primarily in the Los Angeles area. The program is part of the Medtronic Foundation's efforts to reach out to communities in which Medtronic has facilities and employees. Application materials and requirements for health, education and human services grants can be found on Medtronic's website at http://www.medtronic.com/foundation/apply_general_guidelines.html2003, March – Launch of Pump Expeditions™
Pump Expeditions is the first interactive game developed to provide young diabetes patients with a simulated experience of daily life using insulin pump therapy. This educational game reinforces the benefits of insulin pump therapy and reinforces basic diabetes management skills, such as frequent blood sugar testing and early identification of potentially dangerous episodes of low blood sugar. Pump Expeditions is available online at http://www.pumpexpeditions.com/2003, June – CGMS® System Gold™ Is Presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA)
CGMS System Gold, a historical device that records glucose values over a 3 day period, uses an enhanced glucose sensor, while the new monitor offers improved ease of use. Healthcare professionals download data from the monitor to a computer where easy-to-understand graphs and charts can be printed or displayed. The system is reimbursed by Medicare in all 50 states and has broad private insurance reimbursement.2003, July – First Patient Enrolls in Pump School Online
Pump School Online is a web-based tutorial that provides an interactive and engaging way to learn the basics of insulin pump therapy. This training tool provides instructions to diabetes patients before hands-on training occurs.2003, July – First Wireless Insulin Pump System Receives FDA Clearance
Medtronic Diabetes introduces the world's first "smart" insulin pump and glucose monitoring system. The wireless system utilises a MiniMed Paradigm 512 Insulin Pump and a Paradigm Link® Blood Glucose Monitor, co-developed with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company). Using wireless technology, the Paradigm Link monitor automatically transmits a glucose value to the MiniMed Paradigm 512 insulin pump. The insulin pump's Bolus Wizard® calculator recommends proper insulin dosages to patients and keeps track of insulin used by the body.2003, August – Introduction Of Solutions® Software 5.0
Solutions Software 5.0, a new software program, is introduced at the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. The program captures important information from insulin pumps and glucose meters, enabling diabetes patients and clinicians to view important data, identify trends and optimise diabetes care.2003, October – MiniMed Paradigm 712 Insulin Pump With Larger Reservoir
The MiniMed Paradigm 712 insulin pump incorporates a larger insulin reservoir for people who require more insulin to manage their disease. The insulin pump holds either a 1.76 ml or a 3.0 ml reservoir. The larger reservoir adds convenience and is well suited for children, young adults, insulin-resistant Type 1 and Type 2 patients, and women with gestational diabetes.
2004, February – FDA Approves New Patient-Use Guardian® Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the Guardian ® Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, a medical device designed to protect diabetes patients from by potentially dangerous high and low glucose fluctuations by sounding an alarm.2004, August – Technology Innovation Award For Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
Medtronic receives a technology innovation award from Frost & Sullivan for CGMS® System Gold™, the company's physician-use continuous glucose monitoring system used to identify unhealthy glucose patterns in diabetes patients.2004, November – First Insulin Pump Sold With Online Therapeutic Data Management Package
Medtronic Diabetes announces a comprehensive diabetes management offering – MiniMed Paradigm 515 and 715 external insulin pump systems, which offer enhanced Bolus Wizard calculator capabilities and provides patients with secure access to the Web-based Medtronic CareLink® Therapy Management System for Diabetes ("Medtronic CareLink Online").