Abbott's FreeStyle® Libre is First and Only CGM System to Gain Expanded Reimbursement in Japan to Include All People with Diabetes Who Use Insulin

Rhea-AI Summary

Abbott's FreeStyle Libre has received expanded reimbursement coverage in Japan, now including all individuals with diabetes who inject insulin at least once daily. Effective April 1, 2022, this approval is anticipated to increase access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for many patients, reducing the need for fingerstick tests. Abbott emphasizes that this expansion enhances diabetes management by providing comprehensive glucose data, ultimately aiding in better health outcomes. Experts believe this will improve patient control over diabetes and reduce complications.

Positive

• Expanded reimbursement increases access to FreeStyle Libre for more diabetes patients.
• Effective April 1, 2022, all insulin users can benefit from continuous glucose monitoring.
• Improved diabetes management could lead to better health outcomes for patients.

Negative

• None.

• First and only continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system with expanded coverage in Japan will enable more people with diabetes to manage their condition without routine fingersticks¹ associated with traditional blood glucose monitoring
• Without expanded coverage, CGM reimbursements are limited to segment of people with diabetes who require insulin multiple times a day

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 24, 2022  /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved the expansion of reimbursement coverage for its FreeStyle® Libre system to include all people with diabetes who use insulin at least once a day.

The expanded coverage will enable more people with diabetes to access the glucose data needed to manage their condition without the routine fingersticks1 associated with traditional blood glucose monitoring.

"The best healthcare solution is the one that helps the most people, which is why we designed our FreeStyle Libre system with access and affordability in mind from the very beginning," said Jared Watkin, senior vice president of Abbott's diabetes care business. "FreeStyle Libre systems provide a complete and comprehensive glucose picture without the need for routine fingersticks. The technology helps enable behavior change, which ultimately helps people live better, fuller lives."

The reimbursement expansion, which will go into effect April 1, 2022, was granted based on FreeStyle Libre's overall value proposition, which includes ease of use and scientific evidence that shows the clinical benefits of using the FreeStyle Libre system among all people who take self-injections of insulin.^2,3,4 

"With the expanded reimbursement coverage, healthcare professionals like me will be equipped with continuous glucose monitoring information and actionable insights for patients with diabetes, which has previously been available mainly to a limited population of people who require multiple daily injections of insulin. This will allow patients to have a better understanding and control of their diabetes based on glucose fluctuation through continuous monitoring," said Dr. Wataru Ogawa, professor, Division of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine. "I am expecting this will lead to better management of my patients' overall condition, as well as reduce the future risks of diabetes-related complications."

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 113,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

¹ A fingerstick test using a blood glucose meter is required when there are questions on the accuracy of the interstitial fluid glucose levels or impending hypoglycaemia or hypoglycaemia as reported by the system or when symptoms do not match the system readings.
² Miller, Brandner et al. HbA1c Reduction After Initiation of the FreeStyle Libre System in Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Long-Acting Insulin or Non-Insulin Therapy.
³ Miller et al. FreeStyle Libre System Use Associated with Reduction in Acute Diabetes Events and All-Cause Hospitalizations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Without Bolus Insulin.
⁴ Wright et al. HbA1c Reduction Associated with a FreeStyle Libre System in People with Type 2 Diabetes Not on Bolus Insulin Therapy.

 

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SOURCE Abbott

FAQ

What is the significance of Abbott's expanded reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre in Japan?

The expanded reimbursement allows all individuals with diabetes using insulin to access the FreeStyle Libre system, increasing its availability beyond those requiring multiple daily injections.

When will the expanded coverage for Abbott's FreeStyle Libre take effect?

The expanded coverage will be effective from April 1, 2022.

How does Abbott's FreeStyle Libre improve diabetes management?

FreeStyle Libre offers continuous glucose monitoring, providing comprehensive glucose data without routine fingersticks, aiding in better management of diabetes.

What are the expected benefits of the expanded coverage for patients with diabetes?

The expanded coverage is expected to enhance patient control over their diabetes and reduce the risk of complications by providing better monitoring.