Abbott's m2000(TM) Molecular Diagnostic Instrument and RealTime HIV-1 Test Win Chicago Innova...( Abbott Innovations Honored ...),Health

Abbott Innovations Honored for Third Time in Five Years

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has received a 2007 Chicago Innovation Award for its m2000(TM) molecular diagnostic instrument (http://www.abbott.com/global/url/content/en_US/60.15:15/feature/Feature_0021.htm ) and the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 viral load test, the most sensitive test of its kind capable of detecting and precisely measuring all known strains of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Abbott's RealTime HIV-1 test, approved for use in the United States in May 2007, and run on the m2000 system, is the only viral load test of its kind that can detect and measure all group M, group N and group O strains of HIV-1 as well as non-B subtypes of the virus. The products offer physicians a quick and highly accurate test method to help ensure their patients receive the most effective treatment.

This is the third time in five years Abbott has been selected for a Chicago Innovation Award. In 2005, the company's PathVysion(TM) (http://www.pathvysion.com ) breast cancer test received the honor, and in 2003, HUMIRA(TM)(http://humira.com ), the first human monoclonal antibody drug for rheumatoid arthritis, won the award.

"At Abbott we're in the business of improving lives -- often saving lives. That's an important motivation in fostering innovation," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "Patients depend on us for new and better medicines, diagnostics and nutritional
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