Abbott Receives European Regulatory Approval for New Ovarian Cancer Diagnostic Test

Abbott Park, Illinois (ots/PRNewswire) - A new diagnostic
tool, which studies show can aid in determining the risk of whether a
pelvic mass is benign or malignant, is now available in Europe. This
simple blood test is expected to help in the assessment of epithelial
ovarian cancer, the most lethal form of gynecological cancer. This
important immunoassay, which will run on Abbott's ARCHITECT systems,
is the first automated HE4 test available anywhere in the world.

Research has shown that this novel diagnostic marker, combined
with other tests such as the CA125 assay, can aid in measuring the
risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in pre- and post-menopausal women
who have a pelvic mass.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the
five-year survival rate of ovarian cancer patients is 46 percent.
However, when the disease is diagnosed earlier, the survival rate
increases to 94 percent.

"The ability of this test to help physicians predict whether a
pelvic mass is benign or malignant is an important development for
both patients and physicians," said Michael Warmuth, senior vice
president, diagnostics, Abbott. "Abbott's ARCHITECT HE4 test will aid
physicians in determining the most appropriate treatment for their
patients."

Abbott partnered with Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. in the
development of the assay. The test is now available in several
European countries, as well as in some countries in Asia Pacific and
Latin America. The ARCHITECT HE4 Assay was recently submitted to the
FDA for 510(k) clearance.

About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological
cancers and the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in women. An
estimated one in 72 women will develop ovarian cancer in her
lifetime. It accounts for 31 percent of cancers of the female genital
organs. Women who are postmenopausal are at the greatest risk for
ovarian cancer.

About Abbott Diagnostics

Abbott Diagnostics is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics and
offers a broad range of innovative instrument systems and tests for
hospitals, reference labs, blood banks, physician offices and
clinics. With more than 69,000 institutional customers in more than
100 countries, Abbott's diagnostic products offer customers
automation, convenience, cost effectiveness and flexibility. The
history of Abbott Diagnostics is filled with examples of
first-of-a-kind products and significant technological advancements,
including the development of the very first diagnostic test to detect
HIV.

About Abbott

Abbott 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 72,000 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 www.abbott.com.

ots Originaltext: Abbott Laboratories
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Contact:
CONTACT: Media, Darcy Ross, +1-847-937-3655, or Financial, Tina
Ventura,+1-847-935-9390, both of Abbott