Press Release

Abbott Hosts Conference Call for Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2008 Earnings

Dec. 18, 2008

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Abbott Park, Illinois (NYSE: ABT) — Abbott will announce its financial results for the fourth-quarter and full year ended December 31, 2008, on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, before the market opens.

The announcement will be followed by a live webcast of the earnings conference call at 8 a.m. Central time (9 a.m. Eastern), and will be accessible through Abbott's Investor Relations Web site at www.abbottinvestor.com. An archived edition of the call will be available after 11 a.m. Central time.

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.

Media: Adelle Infante	847) 938-8745
Financial: Larry Peepo	(847) 935-6722