Smiths Medical to Promote and Distribute Abbott's FreeStyle Navigator Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

ABBOTT PARK, Illinois and ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 22 /PRNewswire/ --

Smiths Medical MD will promote and distribute Abbott's FreeStyle Navigator Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (http://www.continuousmonitor.com/). Smiths Medical MD is the manufacturer of the CozMore insulin technology system (http://www.smiths-medical.com/markets/diabetes/) and the Deltec Cozmo insulin pump.

To supplement Abbott's own promotional efforts, a non-exclusive distribution agreement will allow Smiths Medical representatives to promote Abbott's FreeStyle Navigator System to its growing customer base in the United States. Financial terms will not be disclosed.

Approved in March 2008 and available by prescription only, the FreeStyle Navigator System is designed to continually record interstitial fluid glucose levels for the purpose of improving diabetes management.

Abbott and Smiths Medical currently have an agreement to use Abbott's FreeStyle strip port in the CoZmonitor blood glucose module, which is connected to the Deltec Cozmo insulin pump.

"We are pleased to partner once again with Abbott," said Jim Stitt, president of Smiths Medical MD. "The FreeStyle Navigator Continuous Glucose Monitoring System is cutting edge technology. And when you use it in conjunction with the unique features of the CozMore insulin technology system, you have one of the most complete, state-of-the-art ways to manage diabetes."

"Information is power. People with diabetes who already utilize tools that provide them with useful data, such as an insulin pump, will naturally be early adopters of the technology we are providing with the FreeStyle Navigator System," said Chip Hance, senior vice president, Abbott Diabetes Care. "Adding to Abbott's direct sales effort, Smiths Medical MD is helping us bring the latest innovations in diabetes to this patient population."

About the FreeStyle Navigator System

The FreeStyle Navigator System is composed of three parts: a sensor, a transmitter and a receiver. The sensor, worn for up to five days and then replaced, is placed just under the skin and is attached to a plastic sensor mount with adhesive to adhere to the skin, like a patch. The transmitter snaps into the sensor mount and sends glucose information wirelessly to the pager-sized receiver. The system discreetly measures glucose levels once per minute; provides high/low glucose alarms based on customizable, physician- and patient-determined levels. Based on the amount of time and number of alarms desired prior to a possible event, patients can determine if glucose levels are likely to be too high or too low approximately 10 to 30 minutes in advance. The system also stores up to 60 days worth of glucose information that can be analyzed by the user or a health care professional.

Indicated for people ages 18 and older, the FreeStyle Navigator System is designed to continually record interstitial fluid glucose levels for the purpose of improving diabetes management. Readings and alarms about glucose levels from the FreeStyle Navigator System are not intended to replace traditional blood glucose monitoring. Before adjusting therapy for diabetes management based on the results and alarms from the FreeStyle Navigator System, traditional blood glucose tests must be performed. Additional information about the FreeStyle Navigator System is available at http://www.continuousmonitor.com.

About the CozMore Insulin Technology System

The CozMore insulin technology system combines insulin pump therapy, blood glucose monitoring, personalized pump programming and data management in one system.

The system includes the Deltec Cozmo insulin pump, which is a smart insulin pump that offers many opportunities for people with diabetes to tailor their insulin therapy; the CoZmonitor blood glucose module, powered by Abbott's FreeStyle Blood Glucose Monitoring System, which is integrated into the pump for easier blood glucose testing and monitoring; and the CoZmanager PC communications software, which links with the pump to let users personalize pump programming and review blood glucose and insulin delivery histories. Additional information about the CozMore insulin technology system is available at http://www.cozmore.com.

About Smiths Medical

Smiths Medical is a leading supplier of high-quality medical devices and products for global markets. It designs and manufactures specialist medical devices in three key areas: Safety Devices, Vital Care and Medication Delivery. Smiths Medical's customers include hospitals, alternate care such as home care, and other healthcare providers worldwide. Smiths Medical is part of the global technology business Smiths Group, a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Smiths is a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange. For further information, visit http://www.smiths-medical.com.

About Smiths Group

Smiths is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group delivers products and services for threat and contraband detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets worldwide. It employs more than 20,000 people in more than 50 countries. For further information visit http://www.smiths.com

About Abbott Diabetes Care

Abbott Diabetes Care, based in Alameda, Calif., is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing glucose monitoring systems designed to help patients better manage their diabetes. Abbott Diabetes Care is committed to developing products to reduce the discomfort and inconvenience of blood glucose monitoring and introducing systems that are easier to use, require smaller blood samples and provide faster results.

Abbott Diabetes Care markets several leading-edge glucose monitoring systems and test strips in the United States for use in both home and hospital settings; leading brands include FreeStyle Lite, FreeStyle Freedom, FreeStyle Flash and Precision Xtra(1). Additional information about Abbott Diabetes Care may be found at http://www.abbottdiabetescare.com.

About Abbott

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 68,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com.

(1) FreeStyle Lite, FreeStyle Freedom, FreeStyle Flash and Precision Xtra are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions. Web site: http://www.abbott.com http://www.smiths-medical.com