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's board has declared a quarterly dividend of 36 cents per share, marking the 387th consecutive quarterly dividend since 1924. The cash dividend is payable on Nov. 16, 2020, to shareholders of record by Oct. 15, 2020. Abbott has increased its dividend payout for 48 consecutive years and is listed in the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, highlighting its consistency in dividend payments.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has launched the world’s first glucose sport biosensor, the Libre Sense, designed specifically for athletes to monitor glucose levels in real-time. This innovative product, derived from Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre technology, allows athletes aged 16 and older to optimize their nutrition during sports activities like cycling and running. The biosensor provides continuous streaming data via a mobile app and can be worn for up to 14 days. Initially available in eight European countries, this product aims to enhance athletic performance by helping users manage energy levels effectively.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced the initiation of the LIFE-BTK clinical trial, the first U.S. Investigational Device Exemption trial for a fully resorbable device targeting critical limb ischemia (CLI) in patients with advanced peripheral artery disease (PAD). The Esprit BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System aims to improve treatment outcomes by reducing the chance of artery re-narrowing. The FDA granted breakthrough device designation to this technology, which will be assessed for safety and efficacy in 225 patients globally. This trial could mark significant progress in treating PAD.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has announced the availability of its FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitoring system to Medicare patients. This next-generation system has received approval from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for coverage, allowing eligible individuals with diabetes to access this life-changing technology. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is easy to apply, lasts 14 days, and provides real-time glucose readings. Abbott aims to enhance access and affordability for all patients, making it the #1 sensor-based glucose monitoring system in the U.S.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for its BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card, a rapid test priced at $5 that delivers results in 15 minutes. This portable test enhances mass testing capabilities and relies on proven lateral flow technology. A complementary mobile app, NAVICA™, will allow users to display their test results digitally. Abbott plans to ramp up production to 50 million tests per month by October, contributing significantly to national testing efforts amid the pandemic.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has commenced the TactiFlex PAF IDE study to evaluate its investigational TactiFlex Ablation Catheter for treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). With over 16 million individuals affected by AFib globally, the study aims to enroll 355 patients across multiple sites worldwide. The catheter employs contact force technology for enhanced procedural effectiveness. Presently, the device is under clinical evaluation and not yet commercially available, aligning with Abbott's commitment to providing advanced medical solutions for improving patient care.
Abbott has received FDA approval for its Patient Controller app, enabling users with neurological conditions to manage therapy via personal Apple smartphones. This integration aims to enhance the patient experience by eliminating the need for separate devices and facilitating remote therapy management, particularly crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app will be compatible with Abbott's neuromodulation technologies, offering convenience for patients with chronic pain and movement disorders. The rollout is expected in the coming weeks, aligning with Abbott's commitment to advancing digital healthcare solutions.
Abbott reported Q2 2020 sales of $7.3 billion, down 8.2% reported and 5.4% organic. Diluted EPS was $0.30 GAAP and $0.57 adjusted. For 2020, Abbott projects full-year diluted EPS of at least $2.00 GAAP and $3.25 adjusted. Key approvals include the TriClip™ heart valve repair device and FreeStyle® Libre 2 for diabetes monitoring. Notably, Nutrition sales grew 3.1% organically due to strong performance in Adult Nutrition, while Diagnostics surged 23.2%, driven by COVID-19 testing. However, Medical Devices showed a 29% decline.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced a settlement with Edwards Lifesciences Corporation to resolve all patent disputes related to transcatheter mitral and tricuspid repair products. The agreement dismisses all ongoing cases and prohibits future litigation in this field for ten years. Abbott will receive a one-time payment and ongoing payments based on Pascal sales through 2025, plus a potential milestone payment in 2026. This resolution lifts injunctions against Edwards' sales of their repair systems, allowing both companies to focus on business growth.
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced on June 26, 2020, that its LightLab Initiative revealed optical coherence tomography (OCT) significantly influences treatment decisions in coronary artery blockages. The study showed that 88% of physicians altered their treatment strategies based on OCT imaging, which provides high-resolution images and detailed insights into arteries. The initial data involved 2,203 procedures across 12 medical centers, emphasizing OCT's value over traditional angiography in procedural planning and patient care.