Welcome to our dedicated page for Abbott Labs news (Ticker: ABT), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Abbott Labs stock.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) generates a steady flow of news across diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines, reflecting its role as a global healthcare company serving people in more than 160 countries. News coverage on this page highlights regulatory milestones, product launches, clinical data, corporate actions and community initiatives that shape Abbott’s business and its impact on patients.
Recent announcements include FDA approvals and clearances for cardiovascular and structural heart technologies, such as the Volt PFA System for treating atrial fibrillation and the Amplatzer Piccolo Delivery System for minimally invasive closure of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants. Abbott also reports developments in diabetes care and metabolic health, including enhancements to its Libre app through the Libre Assist feature, which uses generative AI and continuous glucose monitoring data to help people living with diabetes understand how food choices may affect glucose levels, and the expansion of its Lingo over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor to additional mobile platforms.
Investors and observers will also find news about Abbott’s nutrition business, such as new Ensure Max Protein shakes aimed at supporting muscle health for active and older adults, as well as information on public health partnerships and community programs like the "We Give Blood" competition with the Big Ten Conference and the HeartMates community for people with heart health challenges. Corporate updates include dividend declarations and increases, as well as the announced Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire Exact Sciences Corporation, which would expand Abbott’s presence in cancer screening and precision oncology diagnostics.
This news feed provides a centralized view of Abbott’s latest announcements, allowing readers to follow developments in its key business segments and understand how new products, regulatory events and strategic transactions may influence the company over time.
Abbott has received 510(k) clearance for the first rapid handheld blood test to assess traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions. This test, running on the i-STAT™ Alinity™ platform, provides results within 15 minutes. It measures specific proteins in the blood, helping to rule out the need for CT scans in negative cases. With a sensitivity of 95.8% and over 99% negative predictive value, the test aims to improve diagnosis rates as around 5 million TBIs are reported annually in the U.S. Abbott is also developing a whole blood version for on-site use.
Abbott will report its fourth-quarter 2020 financial results on January 27, 2021, before the market opens. The earnings conference call will start at 8 a.m. Central time and will be available via Abbott's Investor Relations website. Abbott is a global healthcare leader with a diverse portfolio in diagnostics, medical devices, and nutritionals, employing over 107,000 colleagues across 160 countries.
On December 22, 2020, Abbott released survey findings indicating that 82% of Americans believe COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be more effective when combined with testing. The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, highlights that 73% feel vaccines need other precautionary measures to effectively combat the pandemic. Additionally, 86% say testing remains crucial while waiting for widespread vaccine access. Abbott has launched eight COVID-19 tests and delivered over 300 million tests globally. The company emphasizes the importance of continued testing alongside vaccination efforts to control the virus.
Abbott will participate in the 39th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, scheduled for January 12, 2021. The presentation will be led by CEO Robert B. Ford at 9 a.m. Central Time. Interested parties can access a live webcast through Abbott's Investor Relations website, with an archived version available the following day. Abbott is a global healthcare leader dedicated to improving lives through innovative products across diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and generic medicines.
Abbott has received FDA approval for updated labeling of its HeartMate 3 heart pump, allowing its use in pediatric patients with advanced refractory left ventricular heart failure. This provides new treatment options for children awaiting heart transplants or ineligible for them. The pump, already approved for adults, boasts a 79% survival rate at two years in trials. The updated use is supported by data from the ACTION Learning Collaborative, highlighting Abbott's commitment to improving outcomes for pediatric heart failure patients.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for its BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card, allowing at-home testing with results in minutes. Priced at $25, this test is among the most affordable. Partnering with eMed™, Abbott aims to deliver 30 million tests in Q1 2021 and 90 million in Q2. The test boasts a 91.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity in early symptom cases. This innovation is crucial for increasing access to rapid testing, especially for vulnerable populations, and helps manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Abbott has received the CE Mark for its new quantitative SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test, enhancing its COVID-19 testing portfolio. This lab-based serology test quantitatively measures IgG levels, providing insights into an individual's immune response to the virus and vaccines. The test boasts high specificity (99.60%) and sensitivity (99.35%) when conducted 15 days after symptoms appear. Abbott plans to seek FDA emergency use authorization for this test as part of its ongoing commitment to support global healthcare in combating COVID-19.
Abbott has launched a new hydration product, Pedialyte with Immune Support, featuring key nutrients aimed at enhancing immune health. This formulation includes prebiotics, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, designed to complement the electrolyte balance in traditional Pedialyte products. The launch responds to the growing hydration needs among consumers, particularly in light of current health concerns. This product is part of a broader range of Pedialyte offerings, now accessible in pharmacies and online retailers.
Abbott has announced a 25% increase in its quarterly common dividend, raising it to 45 cents per share. This decision reflects Abbott's strong business momentum and commitment to providing immediate value to shareholders. The upcoming dividend, marking the 388th consecutive quarterly payment since 1924, will be distributed on February 16, 2021, to shareholders on record by January 15, 2021. Abbott has maintained a remarkable 49 consecutive years of dividend increases and is listed in the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index.
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 system has received approval from Health Canada for diabetes management in adults and children aged 4 and older. This innovative glucose monitoring technology includes features like real-time alarms and continuous glucose measurement every minute, sustaining performance for 14 days. It aims to improve diabetes management by providing actionable insights for users and healthcare providers, all at the same price as the original FreeStyle Libre system. The FreeStyle Libre 2 will be accessible to over 3.7 million Canadians living with diabetes.