bigfootunity new
novopen

Summary

Connected smart caps that recommend insulin doses for people using multiple daily injections. This system combines the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM with insulin pen smart caps to provide daily dose recommendations.

Participating in the Bigfoot Unity program requires an agreement between Bigfoot Biomedical and the health care provider. After establishing a contract, the prescribed Bigfoot supplies are delivered in a "one-stop-shop" directly to the patient's door each month. Information about the Bigfoot Unity program can be found on the Bigfoot Biomedical website. 

NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo Plus provides the smart addition of a personal injection log. Both pens are compatible with Novo Nordisk insulins in Penfill 3 ml cartridges and work with NovoFine single-use disposable needles. You can transfer your insulin dosing information from your smart pen to your device using the app. 

Components

Bigfoot Unity  : Sensor

Bigfoot Unity : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute.

Bigfoot Unity  : Controller

Bigfoot Unity : Controller

Smart cap displays dosing recommendations for manual insulin delivery through multiple daily injections.

Bigfoot Unity  : Receiver

Bigfoot Unity : Receiver

Smartcap is used to scan the sensor and displays dosage information directly on the screen and smart mobile device.

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Sensor

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every 5 minutes. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Controller

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Controller

Smart pen records daily injections and sends them to the compatible app by tapping the device with a compatible smartphone.

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Receiver

NovoPen 6/NovoPen Echo : Receiver

Smart pen and sensor readings displays dosage information directly on smart mobile device.

Device Details

Overview

Smart cap used for most disposable insulin pens with CGM integration. 

Discreet and modern option for people using multiple daily injections.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Monthly mail-order package includes all the supplies needed, for a regular subscription price or insurance-covered copay with no upfront costs. 

$$$$
Sometimes covered. NovoPens are covered by some commercial insurance companies; typically, users pay $21 out-of-pocket copays for the eight-month device. Prices range from $0- $78. For those without any insurance coverage, a single pen price is $78.

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Data from the iCGM and time-of-dose data from the smart caps are automatically uploaded to the cloud.

Yes
Hold the dose memory of the pen straight against the Near Field Communication (NFC) spot on your device. Wait while your injection details are automatically transferred to a compatible app on your device. Compatible with multiple data monitoring platforms, including Glooko, MySugr, and Dose Check

Data View Options

Yes
Data can be viewed on the Bigfoot Unity mobile app but dosage recommendations, glucose readings, and glucose trends will display directly on the smart cap.

Yes
Dose-related data can be viewed on the NovoPen 6 & NovoPen Echo apps. 

Duration and Storage

28-day pen 14-day sensor 
Sensor lasts for 14 days, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days, smart cap is rechargeable. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. 

28-day pen (Compatible with 10-day or 14-day sensor)
Sensor lasts for 10-14 days depending on the brand, insulin pen lasts for up to 28 days. Pen has 800-injection dose memory and a five-year battery life. Sensor works between 50ºF - 113ºF and pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. 

 

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed 

NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.

Light on body. Pens are easy to use and do not remain attached to the body, senor is light on the body.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Limited customizability. System integrates the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM for high/low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust basal insulin throughout the day. 

Limited customizability. System integrates the Dexcom G6/G7 or Libre CGM for high or low alerts but requires manual dose adjustment and limits the ability to adjust insulin levels throughout the day. 

Comfort

Many components. Have to carry pens, smart caps, pen needles, and CGM is attached to the body. 

Many components. Have to carry pens and pen needles. CGM is attached to the body.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Dosing recommendations. Displays dosing recommendations and reminders for long-acting insulin. 

NovoPen 6The maximum dose is 60 units, and doses increase in 1-unit increments. NovoPen Echo PlusThe maximum dose is 30 units, and doses increase in 0.5-unit increments

Easy to Use

Simple design. One-button device with easy to read display.

Simple design. Replaces regular insulin pen. No additional devices to add on. 

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only. 

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only. 

Privacy

Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. Sensor is the smallest option available. 

Hideable. Pens are portable but visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable. View recommendations and data on a smartphone.