Abbot Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) has released data from several new real-world studies showing how the FreeStyle Libre system is used. This continuous glucose monitoring tech can result in considerable clinical benefits for type 1 and 2 diabetes patients.
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system reduces diabetic-related hospitalization
The findings presented at the 2020 ADA 80th Scientific Session indicated that there was a considerable reduction in hospitalizations when using CGM technology. This included a reduction in diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a serious condition that can result in diabetic coma and even death. Similarly, results indicated that there was a decline in the rates of acute diabetes events as well as all-cause hospitalization. There were also sustained and lowered hemoglobin A1c levels (HbA1C).
The company presented the data as part of the RELIEF study 1, which is the largest reflective study evaluating FreeStyle Libre technology’s impact on DKA hospitalizations. Around 74,158 diabetes individuals were assessed for reimbursement claims in France, including 22,203 individuals with Type 1 diabetes and 40,995 Type 2 diabetes individuals.
Mahmood Kazemi indicated that the data further validates the life-improving benefits of Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre technology in giving diabetes patients meaningful outcomes. Kazemi added that the results underpin the importance of CGM technology in the reduction of diabetes-related hospitalizations and enhanced glucose control in patients.
FreeStyle Libre 2 receives FDA approval
Recently the company announced that the FDA had issued approval for its latest FreeStyle Libre 2 integrated continuous glucose monitoring technology for use in children above 4-years and adult diabetic patients. Interestingly the technology is the most long-lasting individually applied iCGM sensor available currently in the market, costing around a third of available CGMs.
The company will avail of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system in the coming weeks in the US at approved pharmacies as well as durable medical equipment distributors. It will cost the same prices as the FreeStyle Libre 14-day system that the FDA cleared in 2018. So far, Abbot has secured full or partial reimbursement for the system in 36 countries.
