• First and only continuous glucose monitoring system to be nationally reimbursed in France for people who use once-daily (basal) insulin¹
• Expanded reimbursement facilitates wider access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, serving a greater population of people living with diabetes
• France is the first country in Europe to grant national reimbursement for people who use basal insulin, following similar reimbursement expansions in Japan and the U.S. (Medicare)

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., June 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced that the French health authority has approved the expansion of reimbursement coverage for its FreeStyle Libre 2 system to include all people who use basal insulin as part of their diabetes management. FreeStyle Libre 2 was previously covered only for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require intensive insulin therapy.

More than 90% of people living with diabetes in France have Type 2 diabetes, which can lead, in the absence of appropriate care, to serious complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nervous system. The expanded reimbursement enables more people living with diabetes in France¹ to access the latest CGM technology that can help them make informed health and lifestyle decisions.

France is the first country in Europe to expand national reimbursement of Abbott's world-leading FreeStyle Libre technology to people with diabetes who use basal insulin. This follows similar reimbursement coverage expansions for its technology in Japan and the U.S. Medicare system. Together, this represents 3 million more people living with diabetes who are now eligible to use FreeStyle Libre technology to manage their condition.²

"Our goal is to get our FreeStyle Libre technology to as many people as possible," said Jared Watkin, senior vice president of Abbott's diabetes care business. "The French national reimbursement decision is an important step in providing broader access to people with diabetes, and we are working with other countries to extend this coverage to more people."

The French reimbursement expansion was granted based on scientific evidence that shows the clinical benefits of using the FreeStyle Libre system among all people who use insulin. The Real World Evidence of FreeStyle Libre (RELIEF) study,³ a retrospective study of the French national claims database showed that the use of FreeStyle Libre by people with Type 2 diabetes on once-daily (basal) insulin contributed to significant reductions in acute complications of diabetes, leading to a 67% decrease in hospitalizations.

"Studies have shown that FreeStyle Libre technology can help people with diabetes improve their glucose control, decrease diabetes-related hospital admissions, and reduce the burden associated with conventional self-monitoring of blood glucose," said Professor Bruno Guerci, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nutrition at Brabois Adult Hospital, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France. "The expanded reimbursement for Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 now opens up access to allow a new group of patients to experience the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring, which was only available to those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and following intensive insulin therapy."

About FreeStyle Libre Portfolio
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre portfolio is the world leader in continuous glucose monitoring technology, having changed the lives of more than 4.5 million people across over 60 countries.⁴ The FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring technology consists of a sensor placed on the back of the arm for a maximum period of 14 days, and a reader or a compatible smartphone app,⁵ which displays glucose measurements.

Important Safety Information – FreeStyle Libre 14 day, FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems
Failure to use FreeStyle Libre systems as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose reading and alarms (if enabled) do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

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 115,000 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.

References:
¹ Reimbursement for people with Type 1, Type 2 MDI (more than 3 injections) and pump, Type 2 diabetes (ages 4 and above) on non-intensive insulin treatment (< 3 insulin injections per day) with insufficient glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8%).

² Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care.

³ Guerci B, Roussel R, Riveline JP, et al. Important decrease in hospitalizations for acute diabetes events following FreeStyle Libre® system initiation in people with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin therapy in France. Étude présentée à l'EADV, 20-22 septembre 2022, Stockholm, Suède

⁴ Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care.

⁵ The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app.

SOURCE Abbott