Becton device would improve glucose monitoring

Ed Ludwig, CEO of the global medical technology company Becton Dickinson, speaks during the Reuters Health Summit in New York, May 11, 2011.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Becton Dickinson & Co (BDX.N) is developing needle technology to monitor blood sugar and deliver insulin that could bring the concept of an artificial pancreas for diabetics a step closer to reality, its chief executive said.

The company, a leading maker of syringes and drug infusion systems, is testing a sensor that could provide faster, more reliable glucose readings on continuous monitoring systems, Becton Dickinson CEO Ed Ludwig told the Reuters Health Summit on Wednesday.

Becton is developing the sensor technology in partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, he said.

The company also hopes to bring to market in the next few years new infusion sets that would work with insulin pumps to improve the dispensing of insulin via a tiny injection just below the skin's surface, Ludwig said.

Researchers for years have set their sights on replicating the human body's ability to produce insulin by developing a so-called "artificial pancreas" that would automatically regulate a diabetic's blood sugar and eliminate the need for multiple daily injections of insulin.

The two new components that Becton is developing could help bring that goal a step closer to reality, Ludwig said.

Becton would look to partner with major manufacturers of continuous monitoring devices and insulin pumps to incorporate its technology, he said.

(Reporting by Susan Kelly; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)