Press Release
Smiths Medical to Promote and Distribute Abbott's FreeStyle Navigator Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
April 22, 2008
Abbott Park, Illinois (NYSE: ABT)
and St. Paul, Minnesota — Smiths Medical MD will promote and distribute
Abbott's FreeStyle Navigator
Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Smiths Medical MD is the manufacturer
of the CozMore
insulin technology system and the Deltec Cozmo insulin pump.
To supplement Abbott's own promotional efforts, a non-exclusive distribution
agreement will allow Smiths Medical representatives to promote Abbott's
FreeStyle Navigator System to its growing customer base in the United States.
Financial terms will not be disclosed.
Approved in March 2008 and available by prescription only, the FreeStyle
Navigator System is designed to continually record interstitial fluid glucose
levels for the purpose of improving diabetes management.
Abbott and Smiths Medical currently have an agreement to use Abbott's
FreeStyle strip port in the CoZmonitor blood glucose module, which is connected
to the Deltec Cozmo insulin pump.
"We are pleased to partner once again with Abbott," said Jim Stitt,
president of Smiths Medical MD. "The FreeStyle Navigator Continuous Glucose
Monitoring System is cutting edge technology. And when you use it in
conjunction with the unique features of the CozMore insulin technology system,
you have one of the most complete, state-of-the-art ways to manage
diabetes."
"Information is power. People with diabetes who already utilize tools
that provide them with useful data, such as an insulin pump, will naturally be
early adopters of the technology we are providing with the FreeStyle Navigator
System," said Chip Hance, senior vice president, Abbott Diabetes Care.
"Adding to Abbott's direct sales effort, Smiths Medical MD is helping us
bring the latest innovations in diabetes to this patient population."
About the FreeStyle Navigator System
The FreeStyle Navigator System is composed of three parts: a sensor, a
transmitter and a receiver. The sensor, worn for up to five days and then
replaced, is placed just under the skin and is attached to a plastic sensor
mount with adhesive to adhere to the skin, like a patch. The transmitter snaps
into the sensor mount and sends glucose information wirelessly to the
pager-sized receiver. The system discreetly measures glucose levels once per
minute; provides high/low glucose alarms based on customizable, physician- and
patient-determined levels. Based on the amount of time and number of
alarms desired prior to a possible event, patients can determine if glucose
levels are likely to be too high or too low approximately 10 to 30 minutes in
advance. The system also stores up to 60 days worth of glucose information that
can be analyzed by the user or a health care professional.
Indicated for people ages 18 and older, the FreeStyle Navigator System is
designed to continually record interstitial fluid glucose levels for the
purpose of improving diabetes management. Readings and alarms about glucose
levels from the FreeStyle Navigator System are not intended to replace
traditional blood glucose monitoring. Before adjusting therapy for diabetes
management based on the results and alarms from the FreeStyle Navigator System,
traditional blood glucose tests must be performed. Additional information about
the FreeStyle Navigator System is available at www.continuousmonitor.com.
About the CozMore Insulin Technology System
The CozMore insulin technology system combines insulin pump therapy, blood
glucose monitoring, personalized pump programming and data management in one
system.
The system includes the Deltec Cozmo insulin pump, which is a smart insulin
pump that offers many opportunities for people with diabetes to tailor their
insulin therapy; the CoZmonitor blood glucose module, powered by Abbott's
FreeStyle Blood Glucose Monitoring System, which is integrated into the pump
for easier blood glucose testing and monitoring; and the CoZmanagerPC
communications software, which links with the pump to let users personalize
pump programming and review blood glucose and insulin delivery histories.
Additional information about the CozMore insulin technology system is available
at www.cozmore.com.
About Smiths Medical
Smiths Medical is a leading supplier of high-quality medical devices and
products for global markets. It designs and manufactures specialist medical
devices in three key areas: Safety Devices, Vital Care and Medication Delivery.
Smiths Medical's customers include hospitals, alternate care such as home care,
and other healthcare providers worldwide. Smiths Medical is part of the global
technology business Smiths Group, a world leader in the practical application
of advanced technologies. Smiths is a global technology company listed on the
London Stock Exchange. For further information, visit www.smiths-medical.com.
About Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced
technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and
more productive. Smiths Group delivers products and services for threat and
contraband detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets
worldwide. It employs more than 20,000 people in more than 50 countries. For
further information visit www.smiths.com
About Abbott Diabetes Care
Abbott Diabetes Care, based in Alameda, California, is a leader in
developing, manufacturing and marketing glucose monitoring systems designed to
help patients better manage their diabetes. Abbott Diabetes Care is committed
to developing products to reduce the discomfort and inconvenience of blood
glucose monitoring and introducing systems that are easier to use, require
smaller blood samples and provide faster results.
Abbott Diabetes Care markets several leading-edge glucose monitoring systems
and test strips in the United States for use in both home and hospital
settings; leading brands include FreeStyle Lite, FreeStyle Freedom,FreeStyle
Flash and Precision Xtra1. Additional information about Abbott
Diabetes Care may be found at www.abbottdiabetescare.com.
About Abbott
Abbott (NYSE: ABT)
is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery,
development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products,
including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than
68,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
| 1 |
FreeStyle Lite, FreeStyle Freedom, FreeStyle Flash and Precision Xtra are
trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions. |
Media:
Abbott
Melissa Brotz |
(847) 935-3456 |
Financial:
Tina Ventura |
847-935-9390 |
Smiths Medical:
Amy Carroll |
(651) 628-7374 |
