Abbott Receives Health Canada Authorization Under Interim Order to Expand Use of FreeStyle® Libre System for Pregnant Women in the Hospital and Professional Health Care Settings

  • Expanded use of FreeStyle Libre system allows health care workers in hospital and professional health care settings to remotely monitor expectant mothers' glucose status to minimize exposure to COVID-19
  • FreeStyle Libre is the only glucose sensing technology in Canada to replace the need for traditional finger pricks for people with and without diabetes, including pregnant women, in the healthcare setting

- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that Health Canada, under interim order, authorized the expanded use of the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system in hospital and professional health care settings to include Canadian women who are pregnant.

In April 2020 , Abbott received authorization from Health Canada to allow the FreeStyle Libre system to be used by frontline health care workers to remotely monitor the glucose status and glucose history of their patients without the need for painful finger pricks. 1 This minimized exposure to COVID-19 and preserved the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) while enabling healthcare providers to make important treatment decisions, as needed. The expanded indication gives people with or without diabetes – now including expectant mothers – and patients receiving medical intervention/therapy for COVID-19 access to the FreeStyle Libre system in the hospital or professional health care setting.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a new set of challenges for pregnant women who are at higher risk of contracting the virus," said Nazli Topors , Pharm.D., medical director of Abbott's diabetes care business in Canada . "The expanded indication for FreeStyle Libre demonstrates the technology's positive impact on managing diabetes and the ability for health care workers to support patients during such an important time in their lives and, at the same time, limit their COVID-19 exposure while they are in the hospital."

With a one-second scan using a reader or smartphone 2 over the FreeStyle Libre sensor worn on the back of the upper arm, users can see current glucose readings, which are measured every minute, historical trends and patterns, and arrows showing where glucose levels are going without having to fingerstick. 3

At the same time, physicians will receive glucose data and actionable information remotely to help make important treatment decisions through LibreView, 4 a secure, cloud-based diabetes management system available at no cost to healthcare providers and users. Recent studies showed that users of the FreeStyle Libre system have improved glucose control, 5 decreased time in hyperglycemia 6 and hypoglycemia 7 as well as reduced hospitalizations 8 and HbA1c 9 levels.

About FreeStyle Libre Portfolio
As the #1 sensor-based glucose monitoring system used in Canada and worldwide, 10 Abbott's FreeStyle Libre portfolio has changed the lives of nearly 3 million people across more than 50 countries 11 by providing breakthrough technology that is accessible. Abbott has secured partial or full reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system in 36 countries, including Canada , France , Germany , Japan , the United Kingdom and the U.S.

For more information on the FreeStyle Libre system, please visit myfreestyle.ca .

About Abbott:  
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 109,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com , on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/ , on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews .

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System Reader ("Reader")/FreeStyle LibreLink app ("App") when used with a FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System Sensor ("Sensor") is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older (with or without diabetes, including pregnant women) in all hospital and all professional healthcare settings including patients receiving medical intervention/therapy for COVID-19. The Reader/App and Sensor are designed to replace blood glucose testing in the self-management of diabetes, including dosing of insulin. Treatment decisions should not be based on real time Sensor glucose readings alone and instead should consider all the information on the results screen.

1 A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycemia or impending hypoglycemia is reported, or the symptoms do not match the system readings.
2 The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre reader have similar but not identical features. A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycemia or impending hypoglycemia is reported by the FreeStyle LibreLink app or when symptoms do not match the app readings. The FreeStyle Libre sensor communicates with the FreeStyle Libre reader that started it or the FreeStyle LibreLink app that started it. A sensor started by the FreeStyle Libre reader will also communicate with the FreeStyle LibreLink app. The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView.
3 A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels or if hypoglycemia or impending hypoglycemia is reported, or the symptoms do not match the system readings.
4 LibreView is developed, distributed, and supported by Newyu, Inc. The LibreView data management software is intended for use by both patients and healthcare professionals to assist people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals in the review, analysis and evaluation of historical glucose meter data to support effective diabetes management. The LibreView software is not intended to provide treatment decisions or to be used as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
5 Haak, Thomas, et al. Flash glucose-sensing technology as a replacement for blood glucose monitoring for the management of insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: a multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Therapy 8.1 (2017): 55-73r
6 Acute diabetes complications defined by hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic coma, hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, or hyperosmolarity ICD-10 codes as primary diagnosis for inpatient or as any position in the outpatient emergency claim; Matthew Kerr , Gregory Roberts , Diana Souto , Yelena Nabutovsky
7 Bolinder, Jan, et al. Novel glucose-sensing technology and hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes: a multicentre, non-masked, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet 388.10057 (2016): 2254-2263.
8 Fokkert M, van Dijk P,Edens M, et al. Improved wellbeing and decreased disease burden after 1-year use of flash glucose monitoring (FLARENL4). BMJ Open Diab Res Care
2019;7:e000809. doi:10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809.
9 Improving HbA1c control in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes using flash glucose monitoring: a retrospective observational analysis in two German centers; Gerhard Klausmann , Ludger Rose , Alexander Seibold .
10 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care. Data based on the number of users worldwide for the FreeStyle Libre system compared to the number of users for other leading personal use, sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.
11 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care.

SOURCE Abbott

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Medtronic Affera pulsed field ablation technologies continue to demonstrate promising evidence for atrial fibrillation patients

Medtronic Affera pulsed field ablation technologies continue to demonstrate promising evidence for atrial fibrillation patients

  • One-year clinical trial data for the next-generation, investigational, Sphere-360™ single-shot PFA catheter show impressive safety, performance, and efficiency results for paroxysmal Afib
  • Dual-energy (RF/PF), focal Sphere-9™ catheter demonstrates efficacy for linear ablation in persistent AFib
  • Medtronic continues legacy of leadership in innovation, showcasing arrhythmia management portfolio at Heart Rhythm Society annual meeting

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced positive clinical outcomes from two studies in atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients treated with the Affera™ family of technologies, including the next-generation Sphere-360™ single-shot pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheter and the groundbreaking Sphere-9™ combination mapping and dual-energy focal PFA catheter. Data were presented in High Impact Science Sessions at the Heart Rhythm Society 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego ; the Sphere-360 study was simultaneously published in the Heart Rhythm Journal .

(PRNewsfoto/Medtronic plc)

Sphere-360 Study Safety and Performance

Sphere-360 is an investigational, first-of-its-kind, single-shot PFA mapping and ablation catheter for treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Results for Sphere-360 at one year, in a prospective, single-arm, multi-center trial performed in European centers, demonstrated freedom from arrhythmia recurrence in 88% of patients, with chronically durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in 98% of targeted veins and no reported safety events in a sub-group treated with the most optimized waveform. The Sphere-360 catheter has a large, conformable lattice design that can be modified into various shapes, is seamlessly integrated with the Affera Mapping and Ablation System and utilizes an 8.5 Fr sheath – the smallest in any single-shot PFA technology.

"The Affera technology is a sophisticated ecosystem, including an advanced, intuitive mapping system and catheters that are seamlessly integrated to offer treatment options for different cardiac arrhythmias. It is encouraging to see the promising results for Sphere-360, which can easily create circumferential lesions without the need for catheter rotation," said Vivek Reddy , M.D., Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Services for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City . "The study results showed Sphere-360 has a promising safety and performance profile with zero serious adverse events observed. Upon approval, Sphere-360 will be a valuable addition to Medtronic's Affera system, which has been a game changer for Afib treatment and physician workflow."

Medtronic intends to begin its U.S. pivotal trial for the Sphere-360 catheter later this calendar year. Worldwide, Sphere-360 is currently investigational and not approved for sale or distribution.

Sphere-9 for Linear Ablation

Additionally, in a sub-analysis from the Sphere Per-AF IDE study , results demonstrated that the Sphere-9 catheter can be used safely and effectively to create linear lesions in persistent AF patients. Linear ablation is often used in conjunction with PVI to improve the chances of restoring a normal heart rhythm without recurrence in persistent AF patients. The Sphere Per-AF IDE study evaluated the safety, efficacy and efficiency of Affera and Sphere-9 in persistent AF and led to the FDA approval of Affera in October 2024 .

"True to our Medtronic mission for patients and legacy of innovation, we are delivering our best-in-class technologies to physicians and improving care for AFib patients, and we are not slowing down," said Rebecca Seidel , president of the Cardiac Ablation Solutions business at Medtronic, which is part of the Cardiovascular portfolio. "These results signify another step forward and energize us as we continue to earn and build our leadership position in electrophysiology every day."

Medtronic is the only company with two PFA offerings for physicians and patients. The PulseSelect™ Pulsed Field Ablation System offers physicians a safe, single-shot solution for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and is now available in more than 30 countries. The Affera system together with the Sphere-9 catheter enables physician treatment flexibility with its wide area focal design and 9mm lattice tip that can used with an 8.5Fr sheath. Affera is available in Europe , Australia and New Zealand , with global expansion ongoing.

AFib is one of the most common and undertreated heart rhythm disorders, affecting more than 60 million people worldwide. 1 Afib is a progressive disease, often beginning as paroxysmal AFib (presents intermittently) and progressing to persistent (lasts for more than 7+ days without stopping). As the disease progresses, the risk of serious complications including heart failure, stroke and risk of death increases 2-5 .

For more information on the Affera PFA system and the Sphere-9 catheter, visit Medtronic.com.

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway , Ireland , is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn .

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

References

  1. Roth GA, Mensah GA, Johnson CO et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990-2019: Update From the GBD 2019 Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;76:2982-3021.
  2. Miyasaka Y, Barnes ME, Bailey KR, et al. Mortality trends in patients diagnosed with first atrial fibrillation: a 21-year community-based study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2007;49:986-92.
  3. Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). Eur Heart J 2020.
  4. Wolf PA , Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: the Framingham Study. Stroke 1991;22:983-8.
  5. Lubitz SA, Moser C, Sullivan L, et al. Atrial fibrillation patterns and risks of subsequent stroke, heart failure, or death in the community. J Am Heart Assoc 2013;2:e000126

Dr. Reddy is a paid consultant for Medtronic.

Contacts:
Leslie Williamson
Public Relations
+1-612-227-5099

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

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SOURCE Medtronic plc

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Medtronic Expand URO U.S. clinical trial meets safety and effectiveness primary endpoints for Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system

Medtronic Expand URO U.S. clinical trial meets safety and effectiveness primary endpoints for Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system

Largest multi-center prospective Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study for multi-port robotic-assisted urologic surgery   in the U.S. presented as a late-breaker at the American Urologic Association annual meeting

Company confirms Hugo RAS system submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that the Expand URO Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study, the largest such study for robotic-assisted urologic surgery ever conducted, met both primary safety and effectiveness endpoints. The prospective, multi-center, single-arm IDE study included 137 patients who underwent urologic procedures using the Hugo™ robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system.

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Medtronic receives FDA approval for smallest-diameter, lumenless defibrillation lead, the OmniaSecure lead and announces investigational clinical study results

Medtronic receives FDA approval for smallest-diameter, lumenless defibrillation lead, the OmniaSecure lead and announces investigational clinical study results

Adding to the Medtronic portfolio of catheter-based lead solutions, the novel OmniaSecure defibrillation lead allows for precise delivery and placement in the right ventricle

Heart Rhythm 2025: Late-breaking clinical study results evaluating the OmniaSecure lead for investigational use in the LBBAP location show high defibrillation success

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Medtronic advances Abbott CGM partnership with FDA submission of interoperable insulin pump

Medtronic advances Abbott CGM partnership with FDA submission of interoperable insulin pump

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced it has submitted 510(k) applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking clearance for an interoperable pump. FDA clearance of this pump would pave the way for system integration with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor based on Abbott's most advanced CGM platform.

(PRNewsfoto/Medtronic plc)

The submissions included a 510(k) application for its MiniMed™ 780G pump as an alternate controller enabled (ACE) insulin pump and a separate 510(k) application for its SmartGuard™ algorithm as an interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC).

"We understand how meaningful these advancements are, and we're working with urgency to bring enhanced CGM options to our customers," said Que Dallara, EVP & president, Medtronic Diabetes. "This collaboration with Abbott marks an important step forward in providing innovative solutions and more choice for our customers."

This milestone follows the announcement last August that the companies will collaborate on an integrated system based on Abbott's most advanced CGM platform. Abbott will supply Medtronic with a CGM that will work exclusively with Medtronic smart dosing devices and software across both automated insulin delivery and smart multiple daily injections systems. These systems, including the Abbott CGM, will be sold exclusively by Medtronic.

More details will be shared when FDA clearance is secured.

About the Diabetes Business at Medtronic ( www.medtronicdiabetes.com )
Medtronic Diabetes is on a mission to alleviate the burden of diabetes by empowering individuals to live life on their terms, with the most advanced diabetes technology and always-on support when and how they need it. We've pioneered first-of-its-kind innovations for over 40 years and are committed to designing the future of diabetes management through next-generation sensors (CGM), intelligent dosing systems, and the power of data science and AI while always putting the customer experience at the forefront.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway , Ireland , is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn .

Any forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the partnership between Medtronic and Abbott, strategic and other potential benefits of the partnership, Abbott's products and product candidates, and other statements about Medtronic managements' future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects, are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the ability to obtain regulatory approvals, and other risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Medtronic cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document, and Medtronic undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements except to the extent required by law.

Contacts:
Janet Cho
Public Relations
+1-818-403-7028

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medtronic-advances-abbott-cgm-partnership-with-fda-submission-of-interoperable-insulin-pump-302437337.html

SOURCE Medtronic plc

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Orchestra BioMed Announces AVIM Therapy-Focused Satellite Symposium at HRS 2025 Annual Meeting

Orchestra BioMed Announces AVIM Therapy-Focused Satellite Symposium at HRS 2025 Annual Meeting

  • FDA recently granted Breakthrough Device Designation to AVIM therapy for use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension at increased cardiovascular risk
  • HRS Satellite Symposium will feature leading experts in electrophysiology, hypertension management and heart failure
  • Presentations will detail clinical results from prior studies demonstrating AVIM therapy's ability to immediately, substantially and persistently reduce systolic blood pressure, as well as improve cardiac function
  • Symposium will also feature presentation on the BACKBEAT global pivotal study Orchestra BioMed is currently enrolling in strategic collaboration with Medtronic, plc (NYSE: MDT)

Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OBIO, "Orchestra BioMed" or the "Company"), a biomedical company accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through risk-reward sharing partnerships, today announced it will host an industry-sponsored satellite symposium at the Heart Rhythm Society ("HRS") 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place April 24–27, 2025, in San Diego, California featuring recent advancements in the Company's atrioventricular interval modulation ("AVIM") therapy program. The April 25 th 6:45 am PT symposium titled " The Future of Cardiac Pacing: Unlocking the Potential of Atrioventricular Interval Modulation (AVIM) Therapy " will convene leading electrophysiologists, hypertension and heart failure specialists to discuss the unmet need in hypertension, AVIM therapy mechanism of action, and growing body of clinical evidence supporting this novel therapy for the treatment of patients with uncontrolled hypertension who have increased cardiovascular risk with or without an indication for a pacemaker.

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Orchestra BioMed Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for AVIM Therapy

Orchestra BioMed Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for AVIM Therapy

  • Breakthrough Device Designation ("BDD") applies to an estimated U.S. population of over 7.7 million patients with uncontrolled hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk
  • BDD also encompasses pacemaker-indicated patients with uncontrolled hypertension who are the focus of the BACKBEAT global pivotal study Orchestra BioMed is currently enrolling in strategic collaboration with Medtronic, plc (NYSE: MDT)
  • BDD status provides accelerated FDA engagement and reviews for AVIM therapy; it also supports potential pathways to secure higher reimbursement for AVIM-enabled devices in the future

Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OBIO) ("Orchestra BioMed" or the "Company"), a biomedical company accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through risk-reward sharing partnerships, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has granted Breakthrough Device Designation ("BDD") for atrioventricular interval modulation ("AVIM") therapy.

Specifically, the BDD is for an implantable system (i.e., a pacemaker) to deliver AVIM therapy using conduction system pacing to reduce blood pressure in patients with increased ten-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ("ASCVD") risk, preserved left ventricular systolic function, and uncontrolled hypertension, despite the use of anti-hypertensive medications or in patients who may have intolerance to anti-hypertensive medications. Orchestra BioMed estimates that there are over 7.7 million patients in the U.S. that meet the criteria for the BDD for AVIM therapy. AVIM therapy is currently being evaluated under an FDA investigational device exemption ("IDE") in the BACKBEAT global pivotal study which is being conducted by Orchestra BioMed in collaboration with Medtronic. The BACKBEAT pivotal study is enrolling pacemaker-indicated patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite the use of anti-hypertensive medication, a key subpopulation under the BDD for which Orchestra BioMed believes AVIM therapy may offer optimal clinical benefit.

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