Abbott Laboratories reports developments across a global healthcare portfolio that includes diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Recurring updates cover cardiovascular technologies such as Ultreon coronary imaging, pulsed field ablation and cardiac pacing systems; diabetes and other medical devices; nutritional products; and diagnostic testing.
Abbott news also includes financial results, guidance, product clearances, clinical data presentations, commercial integrations and portfolio changes. Following the completed Exact Sciences acquisition, oncology diagnostics are a recurring theme, including Cologuard, Oncotype DX, Oncodetect, Riskguard and Cancerguard tests for cancer screening, recurrence risk and treatment support.
Abbott has announced that Medicare has expanded access to its FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring systems for insulin-using beneficiaries. This change eliminates the previous requirement for multiple daily insulin injections. Eligible recipients include those with problematic hypoglycemia. Abbott is also working to add the latest FreeStyle Libre 3 system to Medicare's coverage list. With nearly 11 million adults over 65 living with diabetes in the U.S., this expansion could benefit over 2 million Medicare beneficiaries using insulin. The FreeStyle Libre systems are noted as the most prescribed CGM by doctors for Medicare patients, enhancing access to crucial diabetes management technologies.
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 system, the latest in its glucose monitoring portfolio, has recently received FDA clearance for a standalone reader. This system is distinguished as the most prescribed integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) option in the U.S. Abbott is actively pursuing Medicare coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 3, aiming to provide affordable access for insulin-dependent beneficiaries. The new reader, which features a compact design and real-time glucose readings, is intended to enhance diabetes management, affecting over 4.5 million users worldwide. Abbott emphasizes that the FreeStyle Libre portfolio remains the leading sensor-based glucose monitoring system globally, with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability.
Abbott announced its first-quarter 2023 financial results will be revealed on April 19, 2023, before the market opens. Following the announcement, a live webcast of the earnings conference call will be held at 8 a.m. Central time. Investors can access this through Abbott's Investor Relations website. Abbott, a global healthcare leader, operates in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines, employing around 115,000 people globally and serving over 160 countries.
Abbott and the Brain Injury Association of America have launched the Concussion Awareness Now campaign, aiming to educate the public on concussions and the importance of seeking medical evaluation. Despite over half of individuals suspecting a concussion not getting checked, the campaign utilizes animated characters called the Melons to engage a broad audience. A survey revealed misconceptions, with 84% of people wrongly believing that athletes are the most at risk for concussions. The initiative emphasizes that most concussions occur during everyday activities, aiming to shift public perception and prompt individuals to seek care after head injuries.
Abbott has released a new study highlighting important insights into cardiac biomarkers in transgender individuals. Conducted among 79 transgender men and 93 transgender women, the research reveals that concentrations of the biomarkers high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are influenced more by sex hormones than the sex assigned at birth. This knowledge is critical for accurate diagnoses in emergency situations, especially for transgender patients experiencing chest pain. Abbott aims to leverage these findings to enhance diverse health equity in clinical assessments.
Abbott has launched the Concussion Awareness Now campaign in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of America, aiming to raise awareness about concussions and the need for evaluation. In a coalition with nearly 20 advocacy groups, the campaign highlights that over half of individuals who suspect a concussion fail to seek medical attention. Utilizing animated characters called the Melons, the campaign addresses common scenarios where concussions occur, encouraging people to get checked. A survey revealed misconceptions around concussions, with only 3% related to sports injuries, despite 84% of respondents associating athletes with higher risks.
Abbott has emphasized its commitment to water stewardship as part of its 2030 Sustainability Plan. With global water challenges predicted to worsen, Abbott aims to achieve water stewardship certification at all high-water-impact sites in stressed areas and implement management practices at 75% of its manufacturing sites in these regions. The company has identified 24 of its global manufacturing sites as operating in water-stressed areas and is collaborating with 50 key suppliers to mitigate water risks. Abbott's proactive measures include partnerships with local communities and NGOs, with certified sites in California and Spain already making significant strides.
Abbott has received FDA clearance for the first commercially available laboratory blood test for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which will run on its Alinity® i instrument. This test provides results in just 18 minutes, aiding clinicians in assessing concussions and potentially reducing the need for CT scans by up to 40%. Given the widespread use of Alinity i instruments across U.S. labs, this test is expected to enhance concussion evaluations for millions of patients annually. With reported sensitivities of 96.7% and negative predictive values of 99.4%, the test marks a significant advancement in TBI management.
On March 6, 2023, Abbott announced that the FDA has cleared its FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) sensors for integration with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in the U.S. This modification allows these sensors to connect with insulin pumps, enhancing diabetes management. The sensors are now approved for use by children as young as two and pregnant women with diabetes, extending wear time to 15 days. The FreeStyle Libre portfolio remains the top prescribed CGM in the U.S., impacting 4.5 million users globally. Abbott is collaborating with leading insulin pump manufacturers for future integrations.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) released promising five-year data from the COAPT trial at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions, confirming the long-term safety and effectiveness of MitraClip for secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in heart failure patients. The study indicated a near 50% reduction in annual hospitalizations (33% vs. 57%) and a nearly 30% drop in mortality rates (57% vs. 67%) for those treated with MitraClip compared to standard therapy. Furthermore, 95% of participants experienced a significant improvement in MR severity, showcasing MitraClip's critical role in patient care.