MiniMed (NASDAQ: MMED) announced an expanded agreement with Abbott to commercialize dual glucose-ketone sensors that will integrate with MiniMed's smart dosing systems. The sensors are designed to monitor both glucose and ketone levels continuously to help prevent diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication.

The new sensors will be the same size as Abbott's existing Instinct sensor and will work with MiniMed's automated insulin delivery and Smart MDI systems. The partnership builds on the companies' existing collaboration for the Instinct sensor.

"By integrating dual glucose-ketone monitoring sensors with our MiniMed smart dosing systems, we're adding an additional layer of intelligence and protection," said Que Dallara, chief executive officer of MiniMed.

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body lacks sufficient insulin to use blood sugar for energy and begins breaking down fat instead, leading to a buildup of ketones. The condition is responsible for hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations annually in the United States and remains the leading cause of death in children and adults under age 58 with type 1 diabetes.

Current ketone monitoring requires separate finger-stick blood tests or urine strips, typically performed only after symptoms appear. The new dual sensors would provide real-time ketone monitoring alongside glucose data.

Abbott recently received CE Mark approval for its dual glucose-ketone system, which is under review by the FDA. The sensors are not yet available for sale in the United States.

The companies expect to provide updates on regulatory and commercialization milestones in coming months. The dual sensors would potentially be available for the same users currently indicated for MiniMed systems, including those with type 1 or insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes.