Poucho, a new bag that keeps insulin cool for 4 days without electricity

HealthWorks France has announced a new generation of isothermal bags that will keep insulin cool for up to 4 days without electricity. The Poucho bags use specially formulated gel crystals that start cooling the insulin when they are put in contact with water. The traditional method for transporting insulin is to use isothermal bags with ice packs that last a maximum of 16 hours. To activate the Poucho, it must be immersed in water for about 90 seconds. The crystals contained in the panels of the wallet then expand into a gel, which remains cool for up to four days - relying on the process of evaporation for cooling. The evaporation process will cool the insulin about 10°C from the ambient temperature.

Although activated by water, the Poucho is dry to the touch, because it is then inserted in a protective waterproof pouch. This allows the user to carry it around in his pocket or a handbag. The Poucho is re-usable and can be used either continuously or intermittently. To "recharge" the Poucho, it must simply be immersed in water again for 90 seconds. Available now only in two sizes (single pen and large (for multiple pens and vials)), the Poucho will be developed in multiple new sizes in the near future.

Less travel constraints for people with diabetes

The Poucho is designed for insulin and any other medication that needs to be maintained at a fresh and constant temperature. It allows those suffering from chronic diseases to transport their medication in perfect safety during their travels, at work and on holiday. If insulin is exposed to extreme temperatures, it is damaged and very quickly loses its effectiveness. This is a major concern for diabetics when they travel to countries where the ambient temperature is high.

A state-of-the-art technology that follows international recommendations

Applications for this technology are numerous and HealthWorks is already developing new versions for other medications such as monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. “The Poucho technology makes it possible to simplify the management of all the chronic diseases that use drugs sensitive to heat”, explains Uwe DIEGEL, president de HealthWorks. “Today’s health management is more about managing patients than diseases because any person who suffers from a chronic disease is defined by her daily lifestyle. But for this, we must provide patients with the correct tools that will give them the freedom to take responsibility for themselves. The Poucho does just that and gives them the liberty to embrace a new lifestyle that includes travel and movement.”

The Poucho is on sale through the site http://www.medactiv.com.

About HealthWorks

HealthWorks is a group of companies that work together to develop medical solutions based on the concept of HCD (Human Centered Development). The HealthWorks products are sold under the MedActiv brand. One of the most popular products in the MedActiv portfolio is the Medifridge, the world's smallest fridge, for the safe transport and storage of insulin and other medication sensitive to heat.

About diabetes

Diabetes is a widespread chronic disease characterized by the insufficient production of insulin, a hormone necessary to transform glucose (sugar) into energy. More than 230 million people suffer from diabetes in the world, a figure that should cross the worldwide threshold of 350 million sufferers in 20 years.

For more information, please contact:

HealthWorks France
6 rue de Castellane
75008, Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 66 15 59
http://www.medactiv.com
Press contact:
Name: Uwe DIEGEL
Direct line: +33 (0)6 76 31 29 93
Mail: contact@medactiv.com