Abbott Launches World's Smallest Rechargeable System With Remote Programming Capabilities to Treat Movement Disorders¹+

Rhea-AI Summary

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has received FDA approval for the Liberta RC™ deep brain stimulation (DBS) system, the world's smallest rechargeable DBS device with remote programming. It offers the longest time between charges of any DBS technology on the market, requiring only 10 recharge sessions a year for most people. The system features NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic, allowing remote communication with doctors, ensuring proper settings and functionality, and receiving new treatment settings without visiting a doctor's office.

Insights

Medical Device Analyst

The approval of Abbott's Liberta RC™ deep brain stimulation (DBS) system by the U.S. FDA represents a significant advancement in medical technology for movement disorders. The system's unique selling proposition lies in its combination of a compact size, akin to a smartwatch and the convenience of requiring fewer recharges, specifically only 10 per year. This convenience factor is a key differentiator in the market, as it directly addresses patient compliance and quality of life concerns.

From a business perspective, the integration of NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic technology facilitates remote patient-doctor communication, which could lead to increased adoption rates due to improved accessibility to specialized care. This feature is especially relevant given the current trend towards telemedicine and remote healthcare services. The proprietary nature of the NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic could also provide Abbott with a competitive edge, potentially leading to an increase in market share within the DBS segment.

However, the long-term success of the Liberta RC DBS system will depend not only on patient outcomes but also on the cost-effectiveness of the technology for healthcare providers. Reimbursement rates and insurance coverage will play crucial roles in the adoption of this system.

Healthcare Economist

The FDA approval of the Liberta RC DBS system could have a ripple effect on healthcare economics, particularly within the neurology and movement disorder specialties. The extended time between charges reduces the total cost of ownership for patients, which may influence insurance companies to favor this system over others that require more frequent interactions. This could, in turn, affect healthcare expenditure patterns.

Moreover, the NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic's ability to offer remote programming and monitoring may lead to a decrease in routine clinical visits, which can contribute to cost savings for both healthcare systems and patients. The system's potential to reduce the need for in-person care aligns with ongoing efforts to control healthcare costs while maintaining high standards of patient care.

It is important to consider the initial investment and maintenance costs associated with the implementation of the NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic in various healthcare settings. The economic impact will also vary depending on the reimbursement landscape and the extent to which these remote services are covered by payers.

Neurotechnology Market Analyst

The launch of Abbott's Liberta RC DBS system is poised to impact the neurotechnology market significantly. The device's market entry enhances the competitive landscape and sets new standards for patient convenience and device functionality. The market for DBS systems is growing, driven by an aging population and increased prevalence of movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

Analyzing the market trends, the demand for minimally invasive and patient-friendly medical devices is on the rise. Abbott's strategic focus on reducing the frequency of device recharges and incorporating remote programming capabilities aligns well with these trends. This could result in increased market demand for their product, potentially leading to positive stock market performance for Abbott.

It will be essential to monitor the adoption rate of the Liberta RC DBS system in clinical practice and its impact on Abbott's overall market position. Furthermore, any data on improved patient outcomes or reduced healthcare costs associated with the use of this system will be crucial for understanding its long-term market potential.

• Liberta RC™ deep brain stimulation (DBS) system, recently approved by the U.S. FDA, features NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic, which allows for remote programming of the system
• System offers the longest time between charges of any DBS technology on the market, allowing people with movement disorders to recharge the device only 10 times a year²*

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that it received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to launch the Liberta RC™ DBS system, the world's smallest rechargeable deep brain stimulation (DBS) device with remote programming, to treat people living with movement disorders.¹⁺ The Liberta RC DBS system also requires the fewest recharges of any FDA-approved DBS system, needing only 10 recharge sessions a year for most people.²*

Communication between people and their doctors is critical to ensuring exceptional care, especially for those who suffer from chronic conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, that can be treated with deep brain stimulation therapy. The Liberta RC DBS system is the only rechargeable DBS device compatible with Abbott's proprietary NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic, a first-of-its-kind connected care technology in the U.S. that allows people to communicate with their doctors, ensure proper settings and functionality, and receive new treatment settings remotely as needed without stepping foot in a doctor's office.^ Abbott developed NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic after research showed that the average Abbott DBS user in the U.S. must travel more than 150 miles to access a movement disorder specialist.³

"When our patients choose a rechargeable DBS system, it is often based on the smaller size of the device, but the tradeoff has always been how recharge frequency affects their lifestyle," said Dr. Paul Larson, professor of neurosurgery at the University of Arizona. "The Liberta RC DBS system excels in both areas, as a compact rechargeable device with the lowest recharge requirement of any FDA-approved DBS system. This achievement, coupled with the integration of remote programming capabilities, is a significant advancement for patients."

At approximately the height and width of a smartwatch face, the Liberta RC DBS system is about 31% smaller than other commonly used implantable, rechargeable DBS devices currently available in the U.S.⁴** When used under standard settings, Abbott's Liberta RC DBS system needs to be recharged as few as every 37 days – or 10 times a year – using a wireless charger that is placed over the device.⁵ For users who prefer a weekly charging schedule, only 30 minutes of charging is needed.⁵ The wireless charging system allows people to be active while wearing it and can fully recharge the Liberta RC DBS system twice before needing to be plugged in again.⁶ The system, which can be controlled on an Abbott supplied patient controller or a compatible and secure iOS device***, offers users helpful notifications and customizable settings for a personalized charging experience. 

"In developing the Liberta RC DBS system, our focus has been on the unique experiences of individuals with chronic conditions like movement disorders," said Pedro Malha, vice president, neuromodulation, Abbott. "At Abbott, we're committed to addressing these diverse needs. This system exemplifies our drive to providing patient-first solutions, combining effective therapy, effortless recharging, and remote programming capabilities."

For U.S. important safety information on the Abbott Liberta RC DBS neurostimulation system, visit: https://bit.ly/DBSISI 

⁺Based off comparison to volumetric measurements, including the following IPGs: Abbott Liberta RC DBS System: 13.79 cc, SceneRay Aaxon RNDǂ: 24 cc, and PINS G102Rǂ: 31.5 cc.
*Upon implant of the Liberta RC DBS System, 37 days of therapy when programmed with standard (nominal) stimulation settings as described in device Instructions for Use (IFU). Recommended recharge frequency and duration for competitor rechargeable DBS systems described in their respective IFU or clinical studies, which may involve different patient populations and other variables. Not a head-to-head comparison of stimulation settings or clinical outcomes.
^Anywhere with a cellular or Wi-Fi connection and sufficiently charged patient controller and neurostimulation device.
**Calculated by comparing the Liberta RC DBS System vs. the Boston Scientific Vercise‡ Genus R16 based on volumetric measurements (13.79cc for Liberta RC DBS System and 20.1cc for Boston Scientific Vercise‡ Genus).
***Available on eligible smart mobile digital devices. For a list of personal smart mobile digital devices compatible with Abbott's patient controller app, visit http://www.NMmobiledevicesync.com/dbs. 

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 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

¹ Abbott. Liberta RC™ DBS System Remote Programming Comparison Claims Memo. Plano, TX. 2024.
² Abbott. Liberta RC™ DBS System Recharging Comparison Claims Memo. Plano, TX. 2024.
³ Abbott. DBS Patient Travel Memo. MAT-2100238 V1.0.
⁴ Abbott. Liberta RC™ DBS System Size Comparison Claims Memo. Plano, TX. 2024.
⁵ Abbott. Liberta RC™ Deep Brain Stimulation Implantable Pulse Generator Clinician's Manual. Plano, TX. 2023.
⁶ Abbott. Jupiter Software Formula Specification. Plano, TX. 2023.

 

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SOURCE Abbott

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Abbott?

The ticker symbol for Abbott is ABT.

What is the FDA approval for the Liberta RC™ DBS system?

The FDA approved the Liberta RC™ DBS system, the world's smallest rechargeable DBS device with remote programming.

How many recharge sessions does the Liberta RC™ DBS system require per year?

The Liberta RC™ DBS system requires only 10 recharge sessions a year for most people.

What is the NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic?

The NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic is Abbott's connected care technology that allows remote communication with doctors, ensuring proper settings and functionality, and receiving new treatment settings without visiting a doctor's office.

What is the size of the Liberta RC™ DBS system?

The Liberta RC™ DBS system is approximately the height and width of a smartwatch face.