Human centred design of an affordable insulin delivery innovation for people with diabetes in developing countries

3B Impact works with innovative companies to scale solutions to global challenges. It is working with diabeties device experts at GO-Pen Aps and experienced practitioners at Médecins Sans Frontières UK to commercialise an innovative insulin delivery system, designed specifically for diabetics on low incomes in developing countries, such as Malaysia.

Insulin delivery systems are designed for affluent markets. While the rich can afford insulin pens, 13 million poor people with diabetes take insulin through 3-4 daily injections using syringes. These are not fit for purpose. Syringes make it harder to deliver correct dosages leading to complications including blindness, amputations and death, and produce significant amounts of hazardous waste. Single use syringes are often used multiple times, risking infection.

GO-Pen's solution eliminates the need for syringes, is safer and more affordable. The benefits are:

1. a quicker, more discrete injection;
2. precise dosing;
3. less training needed from healthcare professionals;
4. easier to use leading to better treatment;
5. lower risk of complications;
6. reduced cost; and
7. reduced hazardous waste.

Success depends on ensuring users want to use the GO-Pen and that it improves how insulin is used, the focus of this project.