Luna Diabetes Raises $23.6M for Innovative Nighttime Insulin Patch Pump

Luna Diabetes, a San Diego-based company developing a novel wearable insulin patch pump, has secured $23.6 million in Series A funding. The investment round, led by Vensana Capital, aims to support ongoing clinical trials and expand manufacturing capabilities for the company's groundbreaking nighttime insulin delivery system.

A New Approach to Overnight Diabetes Management

Luna Diabetes is targeting a significant unmet need in diabetes care by focusing on nighttime insulin delivery. The company's innovative patch pump is designed to be worn comfortably during sleep, addressing the challenge of nocturnal blood sugar fluctuations that affect millions of people with diabetes worldwide.

CEO John Sjölund, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age four, explained the rationale behind Luna's approach: "Picture this: someone with diabetes goes to bed with perfect glucose levels, only to wake up feeling terrible because their blood sugar spiked or dropped during the night. This happens every single night for millions of people worldwide."

Bridging the Gap Between Insulin Pens and Traditional Pumps

Luna's technology aims to overcome the limitations of both insulin pens and traditional insulin pumps. The company's solution allows users to continue using insulin pens during the day while benefiting from automated insulin delivery at night. This hybrid approach addresses what Luna describes as "the single-largest problem in all of diabetes" – the reluctance of many patients to adopt full-time insulin pump therapy due to its complexity and lifestyle impact.

"During the day, people continue using their insulin pens as usual. But when they sleep, our tiny patch pump takes over, delivering automated doses of rapid-acting insulin based on continuous glucose monitoring data," Sjölund stated.

Clinical Progress and Industry Support

Luna Diabetes launched a pivotal trial for its nighttime insulin patch pump in late 2024, signaling confidence in the technology's potential. The recent funding round attracted support from notable investors, including the Swiss Diabetes Venture Fund, Ascensia Diabetes Care, and Winklevoss Capital.

Justin Klein, co-founder and Managing Partner at Vensana Capital, highlighted the significance of Luna's innovation: "Luna is solving a challenge the diabetes field has struggled with for decades—bringing the benefits of automation to injection users."

With more than 80% of the improvements in blood sugar from automated insulin delivery systems occurring during sleep, Luna's focused approach to nighttime management could represent a significant advancement in diabetes care. As the company progresses through clinical trials and moves closer to potential market entry, the pharmaceutical industry will be watching closely to see if this novel technology can deliver on its promise to improve the lives of millions living with diabetes.