Abbott Laboratories announced CE Mark in Europe for the XIENCE Xpedition(TM) 48 Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System, the treatment for very long blockages in the vessels that supply blood to the heart due to coronary artery disease (CAD). XIENCE Xpedition 48 leverages the proven design and clinical outcomes of the XIENCE family of drug eluting stents in a unique 48 mm length. The company continues to offer physicians more options for the treatment of patients with complex coronary artery disease and is the only major manufacturer to offer a coronary drug eluting stent greater than 38 mm in length. XIENCE Xpedition 48 is the latest in a long history of stent innovations pioneered by Abbott, which was to offer physicians size-specific metallic stents for use in small and large vessels of the heart.

Abbott Laboratories announced CE Marking (Conformité Européenne) for the ARCHITECT clinical chemistry Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, which may aid physicians in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes as well as identifying patients at risk for developing diabetes. The HbA1c test is a blood test that reflects a person's average blood glucose levels over the past three months. In 2009, an international expert committee recommended that physicians may use an HbA1c test for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and identification of patients at risk for developing diabetes if the assay meets specific performance criteria, such as certification and standardization processes outlined by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC). Diabetes can be managed by using diabetes medicines, making important lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise, and monitoring blood glucose and HbA1c levels.(2) For people whose HbA1c test results are normal, doctors may recommend that testing be repeated at least every three years or more frequently depending on a person's initial results and risk status.

Abbott Laboratories Presents at UBS Global Healthcare Conference, May-22-2013 08:30 AM. Venue: Sheraton New York Hotel, 811 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York, United States. Speakers: Brian J. Blaser, Executive Vice President of Diagnostic Products, Thomas C. Freyman, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance.