Areas of Expertise

Abbott has a proud legacy in anesthesia, marked by more than 75 years of experience in anesthesia science, research, development and product commercialization. Ultane (sevoflurane), also known as Sevorane outside the United States, is our widely used inhalational anesthetic.

Our well-established history in anesthesia began in the 1930s with the introduction of the oral sedative Nembutal (pentobarbital sodium), one of our best known and longest-lived products, followed by the intravenous anesthetic Pentothal (thiopental sodium).

Our line of animal health products is built on Abbott's expertise in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and nutrition. We are a leader in perioperative health care for the veterinary market. Products include anesthetics, wound care products, nutritional products, a complete line for intravenous fluid therapy, a blood glucose monitoring system for cats and dogs, and other veterinary critical care products in the United States, Europe, Switzerland, Canada, Japan and Australia. Key veterinary products include the TRANSIVA brand of intravenous sets and solutions; veterinary anesthesia products such as PropoFlo (propofol) and SevoFlo (sevoflurane); the AlphaTRAK blood glucose monitoring system for cats and dogs; and CliniCare ready-to-feed, nutritionally complete liquid diets for cats and dogs.

For more information, please visit Abbott Animal Health.

Abbott has a history of leadership in the area of infectious disease, including our role as one of five pioneers in the commercial production of penicillin.

Since then, we developed and launched a number of innovations in this area including the flagship macrolide antibiotic, Biaxin XL (clarithromycin extended-release tablets, USP). Biaxin XL is used to treat certain mild to moderate upper or lower bacterial respiratory tract infections. Biaxin XL has a track record of treating these types of infections, and generic versions have recently been launched.

Omnicef (cefdinir), another core product in this area, is an extended-spectrum cephalosporin available as a capsule or oral suspension. Omnicef is used to treat certain mild to moderate bacterial respiratory infections and skin infections in children and adults. Omnicef has a track record of treating these types of infections, and generic versions have recently been launched.

Our cardiovascular focus is on dyslipidemia — the management of blood fats including low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol), high-density lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol) and triglycerides. Though physicians and patients have long recognized the need to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, evidence in recent years has shown the importance of managing a patient's total lipid profile. That means ensuring that lipid parameters including LDL and triglycerides are not elevated and that HDL (good) cholesterol reaches the optimum recommended levels. Abbott's dyslipidemia product offerings include several therapies proven effective in managing triglyceride and HDL levels.

Abbott's TriCor (fenofibrate tablets) and Niaspan (niacin extended-release tablets) brands are both therapies for the management of cholesterol. TriCor is the most-prescribed fibrate medication in the United States. Niaspan is the medication used for raising HDL cholesterol levels. Abbott’s newest addition to its portfolio of cholesterol management therapies includes Simcor (niacin extended release simvastatin tablets), the first fixed-dose combination of Niaspan and simvastatin. Simcor is approved along with diet to lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and to raise HDL cholesterol in patients with dyslipidemia when treatment with simvastatin or Niaspan monotherapies are not considered adequate.

Another key product is Tarka (trandolapril/verapamil HCl ER tablets), a combination of a calcium channel blocker and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for reducing high blood pressure. Tarka is not indicated for the initial therapy of high blood pressure.

Our focus in diabetes care is to help people with diabetes effectively monitor and manage this serious metabolic condition. We offer innovative glucose monitoring systems, test strips and services for both in-home and hospital settings. In diabetes care, Abbott concentrates specifically on developing products that reduce the discomfort and inconvenience of glucose testing, are easy to use, require small blood samples and provide fast results. Among our leading glucose monitoring products are the FreeStyle family of products including FreeStyle Navigator, FreeStyle Lite, FreeStyle Freedom, and FreeStyle Flash blood glucose monitoring systems, all of which require tiny blood sample sizes, about the size of a pin head. These systems offer virtually pain-free testing on fingers and alternate sites such as the forearm, upper arm, thigh, calf or base of the palm. The FreeStyle Navigator system is a continuous glucose monitoring system designed to discretely and continuously measure glucose levels through a sensor in the back of the upper arm or abdomen. The FreeStyle Navigator system provides results once per minute. Our other leading blood glucose monitoring brands are Precision Xtra (Precision Xceed in most countries outside the United States), one of the first blood glucose monitor to offer ketone testing; and Precision PCx, a hand-held, point-of-care blood glucose monitoring system used in the hospital setting. We also offer sophisticated data management systems, insulin syringes, lancets as well as nutritional supplements designed specifically for people with diabetes.

For more information, please visit Abbott Diabetes Care.

A global leader in in vitro diagnostics, Abbott offers a broad range of innovative instrument systems and tests for hospitals, reference labs, blood banks, physician offices and clinics. Our instrument systems and tests provide early, accurate detection and management of medical conditions. Our products have helped transform the practice of medical diagnosis, virtually creating the modern diagnostics industry through continued research and development of solutions that improve patient care.

The cornerstone of our expertise in diagnostics is immunodiagnostics, the science of measuring the body’s antigen/antibody reactions to detect diseases and other medical conditions, and assess the general health of patients. Among our leading immunoassay systems are the AxSYM and ARCHITECT product lines. AxSYM Plus, one of our most successful immunoassay diagnostic systems, has a menu that includes tests for cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, drugs of abuse, fertility, pregnancy and thyroid conditions. The ARCHITECT is a family of modular analyzers that provides immunoassay and clinical chemistry results for drugs of abuse, cardiac disease, cancer, endocrinology, fertility, infectious disease and others. In clinical chemistry, our Aeroset system monitors levels of glucose, electrolytes, enzymes, proteins and lipids – substances measured as overall indicators of a person’s health.

Abbott continues to set the standard of excellence in blood screening, targeting hepatitis and retrovirus detection. Abbott’s blood screening tests – including our fully-automated ABBOTT PRISM system, which consolidates high-volume testing into a single system, reducing the risk of accidents and errors – are used to ensure the safety of the blood supply.

For more information, please visit Abbott Diagnostics Division.

Abbott scientists, leaders in the field of immunological research, are applying innovative monoclonal antibody technology to discover and develop novel therapies to treat diseases of the immune system. Our efforts in this field resulted in HUMIRA (adalimumab), a human monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of moderate to severe adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints of the hands, feet and wrists, and can lead to the destruction of joints. HUMIRA reduces the signs and symptoms of active arthritis, improving the ability to perform daily activities, and preventing further damage to joints.

Humira is approved for treating a number of other autoimmune diseases. It is approved for treating adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that usually causes patches of itchy, scaly and sometimes inflamed skin, and for treating adult patients with psoriatic arthritis, a chronic disease that combines the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including joint pain and inflammation, with those of psoriasis.

HUMIRA is also approved for reducing the signs and symptoms in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine and can be potentially disabling. HUMIRA is likewise approved for reducing the signs and symptoms of adults with moderate to severe Crohn's disease who have not responded well to conventional treatments. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive (or gastrointestinal) tract.

A metabolic disorder is a medical condition that affects the production of energy in the body's cells. Most metabolic disorders are genetic, although a few are "acquired" as a result of diet, infections and other sources. Among our leading medicines in metabolics is Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium tablets, USP) which is a thyroid hormone replacement medicine used to treat hypothyroidism. Millions of patients and physicians have relied on Synthroid for more than half a century. Meridia (sibutramine HCl monohydrate CIVcapsules), also known as Reductil (sibutramine HCl monohydrate), is a medication for the management of adult obesity. Meridia/Reductil works in the area of the brain that signals the sense of fullness by acting on certain nervous system receptor sites. This technology, though common in neuroscience, makes Meridia's approach novel among obesity therapies. Abbott also offers glucose monitoring systems, test strips, specialized nutritional products and services to help people with diabetes better manage this metabolic condition.

Building on a strong foundation in in vitro diagnostics, Abbott is an emerging leader in the rapidly growing area of molecular diagnostics – the analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins at the molecular level. Our instruments and tests are used to detect pathogens and subtle changes in patients’ genes and chromosomes, which enable physicians to detect diseases earlier and more accurately, select the appropriate therapies, and improve the monitoring of disease.

Abbott is providing physicians with critical information to detect and manage a range of infectious diseases and chronic conditions, including breast and bladder cancer, HIV, hepatitis, and cystic fibrosis. Among our core products in this area are PathVysion HER-2 DNA Probe Kit, a test used to identify women with breast cancer that could benefit from Herceptin therapy. Also available is UroVysion, the only DNA-based test currently available for monitoring the recurrence of bladder cancer. Determining therapy based on the results of genetic testing will be an important benefit of linking diagnostics and therapeutics, something that Abbott is well positioned to deliver.

For more information, please visit Abbott Molecular.

Abbott has been studying the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, since the 1920s. Our work in this complex area led to the first introduction of the Depakote family of products into the United States, and has evolved to include, most recently, Depakote ER (divalproex sodium) extended-release tablets. Depakote ER is used by patients for acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, with or without psychotic features, certain types of epilepsy and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

Abbott is behind some of the world's most trusted names in pediatric, adult, healthy living and performance nutrition products. We've been a leader in helping babies grow and develop for more than 80 years. Our Similac brand of infant nutritional products was launched in the early 20th century. In 1959, Similac with Iron was the first iron-fortified infant formula clinically proven to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Since then, we've continued to translate leading-edge science into formulas and related nutritional products that support the healthy growth and development of infants and children. We have a soy-based infant formula, Isomil, and Gain, a line of follow-on formulas and growing-up milks for older babies and toddlers.

Other recent innovations include the addition of fatty acids known as DHA and ARA to build strong minds, along with unique fat blends that help a baby's growing body absorb calcium more effectively. We also develop and market nutritional formulas to help parents manage common childhood illnesses and feeding problems such as fussiness, gas and diarrhea, as well as specialized products for infants and children with food allergies or metabolic illnesses.

We're also a leader in nutritional products to help adults maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. We pioneered the market for adult nutritionals more than 30 years ago with the introduction of Ensure, a leading source of complete, balanced nutrition. Today, our broad selection of convenient, portable nutrition shakes, snack bars and specialized nutrition products for athletes satisfies a wide range of nutrition needs and tastes. Our healthy living family of nutrition brands also includes, ZonePerfect and EAS.

In addition to these well-known consumer brands, we also offer medical foods and feeding devices for patients with special dietary needs due to injury, food allergies, or diseases that affect the body's metabolism such as cancer, respiratory conditions and gastrointestinal impairment. One of our primary brands is the Glucerna family of products, designed for people with diabetes. We focus on combining the science of nutrition with state-of-the-art technology and design to offer nutritional products that are easy to use and meet the changing nutritional needs of people at each stage of life.

We are committed to continuing investment in oncology research to discover and develop more targeted and less toxic therapies than are currently available for a broad range of cancers. We have several different classes of compounds in various stages of clinical development. These approaches address multiple phases of cancer progression, including angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), signal transduction and programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Abbott's Zemplar (paricalcitol) products combat secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), which is a serious complication associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Zemplar, a vitamin D analog, is available as Zemplar Capsules for the prevention and treatment of elevated SHPT associated with moderate to severe (stages 3 and 4) CKD. Our Zemplar Injection is indicated for the prevention and treatment of elevated SHPT in patients CKD Stage 5, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Abbott is advancing the treatment of vascular disease by combining the latest medical device innovations with world-class pharmaceuticals to improve patient care. Our broad line of vascular devices – which includes vessel closure, endovascular and coronary technologies – is used to treat vessel diseases of the heart, carotid arteries and peripheral blood vessels. These vessel diseases can lead to heart attack, stroke, critical limb ischemia, and other serious vascular conditions. Among our vessel closure technologies are suture-mediated closure products such as Perclose A-T, Perclose ProGuide and Prostar; assisted manual compression products like Chito-Seal; and clip-based closure technologies. Our next-generation vessel closure system, StarClose, uses a specially designed flexible clip to close the access site in the femoral artery following a catheterization procedure.

We also offer a number of self-expanding and balloon stents, as well as catheters for endovascular procedures. In coronary technology, we have an extensive line of interventional cardiology and peripheral devices, including stents, stent grafts, balloon devices and guiding and diagnostic catheters. Next generation products include the minimally invasive Xact Carotid Stent and Emboshield Embolic Protection Device to treat carotid artery disease, and an investigational drug-eluting stent to treat coronary artery disease.

For more information, please visit Abbott Vascular.

An important focus of our work in virology is in combating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is the virus responsible for AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Our work in this area began in 1985 when Abbott developed the first licensed test to detect HIV antibodies in the blood. Today, our retrovirus and hepatitis tests are used to screen more than half of the world's donated blood supply.

In pharmaceutical therapy, Abbott offers Norvir (ritonavir) and Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir). Kaletra is also known as Aluvia in some countries around the world. Norvir and Kaletra/Aluvia are in the class of medicines called HIV protease inhibitors. Norvir and Kaletra/Aluvia are each used in combination with other anti-HIV medications to treat patients with HIV infection. Norvir was one of the first drugs available in the protease inhibitor class and showed a reduction on death in studies averaging 13.5 months. Kaletra, our second-generation product, is available in capsule (in limited supply) and liquid form and, most recently, in a tablet form that requires no refrigeration. This latest innovation, in addition to offering added convenience of no food requirement and less pills daily, is a major step in improving access to Kaletra in areas where refrigeration or refrigerated transport is not available. In molecular diagnostics, Abbott's advanced instruments and tests are providing physicians with critical information to detect and manage a range of infectious diseases, including HIV.