SHAHEEN URGES FDA TO ISSUE CLEAR AND REASONABLE GUIDANCE ON ARTIFICIAL PANCREAS

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) at a press conference today urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue clear and reasonable guidance by the end of this year on the artificial pancreas, a device that could improve the lives of millions of Americans living with diabetes.  

The artificial pancreas combines medical devices that already exist – insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors – to control blood sugar levels automatically. For people living with diabetes, it would mean the end of burdensome frequent blood tests and injections. The new technology is awaiting FDA approval.

“Many of us in Congress care deeply about type 1 diabetes, and know how life changing this technology could be for the millions of children and adults living with diabetes,” Shaheen said. “The FDA has promised to issue guidance for research by the end of this year. For the good of those families dealing with this disease, the FDA must honor that commitment.”

Senator Shaheen’s comments came at a press conference with Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), her co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

Shaheen spoke about her own 12-year-old granddaughter, Elle Shaheen, who has been living with diabetes since she was 8.