Abbott Laboratories received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for two new dosage strengths of SIMCOR(R), a cholesterol medication. The new SIMCOR dosage strengths combine 40 mg of simvastatin with either 500 mg or 1,000 mg of niacin extended-release. SIMCOR is the first treatment to combine Abbott's proprietary niacin extended-release and simvastatin, the most commonly used statin. SIMCOR is a prescription medication used along with diet in people who cannot control their cholesterol levels by diet and exercise alone. SIMCOR is approved to raise HDL "good " cholesterol and lower levels of elevated total cholesterol, LDL " bad" cholesterol and triglycerides. SIMCOR is a combination medicine used when treatment with simvastatin alone or niacin extended-release alone is not considered adequate. No additional benefit of SIMCOR on heart disease over and above that shown for simvastatin alone and niacin alone has been demonstrated. Treatment guidelines endorsed by the National Cholesterol Education Program, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have called for more aggressive management of lipids, including a lower LDL goal for some patients, as well as more aggressive management of HDL and triglycerides.

Abbott Laboratories announced that it will highlight first-of-its-kind test that detects HIV infection earlier than ever before in the United States; a molecular assay for identification of two common sexually transmitted diseases; and an enhanced integrated analyzer offering significant workflow improvements; are among the many new advances at this year's American Association for Clinical Chemistry Lab Expo which starts on July 26, 2010 in Anaheim. In all, Abbott is sponsoring 29 scientific posters reporting on new clinical diagnostics research in areas such as heart disease or cardiac care, transplant, renal disease and cancer; three scientific industry workshops; and 15 main stage presentations at the Abbott exhibit booth (#6808). Abbott AACC Highlights: Advances in HIV Testing Foster Early Detection: Last month, the FDA approved Abbott's ARCHITECT HIV Antigen/Antibody Combo Assay, a first-of-its-kind new HIV diagnostic tool. Since the test detects both HIV antigens and antibodies, Abbott's test can identify infection days earlier than other antibody-only tests currently used in the United States. Earlier detection is critical in controlling the spread of the virus since it is estimated that up to 50% of ongoing transmissions come from people who were recently infected; new Molecular Assay for Better Detection of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Abbott is also featuring the Abbott m2000, an automated system that integrates sample preparation and extraction with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and detection technology. Abbott announced a significant addition to the m2000 system's menu of tests in June with the FDA clearance of a new molecular assay to simultaneously detect gonorrhea and chlamydia, including a new variant strain of chlamydia discovered in Sweden; ARCHITECTPLUS Helps to Manage Patients and Improve Lab Efficiencies: Abbott's ARCHITECTPLUS enhanced ARCHITECT family of immunochemistry analyzers will also be showcased at this year's AACC. This enhanced ARCHITECT system includes new features which will help labs streamline operations and improve efficiencies resulting in improved performance and outcomes for laboratories; PLEX-ID System for Rapid Microbial Identification: Abbott's new PLEX-ID system will also be on display. The system is designed for broad and rapid identification of bacteria, viruses, and fungi; however, it is currently not available for use in diagnostic procedures. In 2009, PLEX-ID was recognized by both The Scientist and the Wall Street Journal as a top scientific innovation. The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) for the simultaneous qualitative detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV type 1 (HIV-1 group M and group O) and/or type 2 (HIV-2) in human serum and plasma (EDTA and heparin). The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is intended to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV-1/HIV-2 infection, including acute or primary HIV-1 infection. The assay may also be used as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV-1/HIV-2 infection in pediatric subjects (i.e., children as young as two years of age) and in pregnant women. An ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo reactive result does not distinguish between the detection of HIV p24 antigen, HIV-1 antibody, or HIV-2 antibody. The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo is not intended for use in screening blood or plasma donors. The effectiveness of ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo for use in screening blood or plasma donors has not been established. However, this assay can be used as a blood donor screening assay in urgent situations where traditional licensed blood donor screening tests are unavailable or their use is impractical.

Abbott Laboratories expected to report Q3 2010 results on October 20, 2010. This event was calculated by Capital IQ (Created on July 22, 2010).