Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced today that Health Canada authorized use of its FreeStyle Libre system in hospital settings for COVID-19 patients.
Following the authorization, healthcare workers in Canada can remotely monitor patients’ glucose status and glucose history with the FreeStyle Libre sensor-based glucose monitoring technology. Abbott also intends to donate 3,000 sensors to ensure hospitals have immediate access to the technology.
The news follows an announcement earlier this month confirming that the FDA granted permission for the use of the FreeStyle Libre in hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a news release, more than 15% of Canadians diagnosed with COVID-19 are hospitalized, and the use of FreeStyle Libre in hospitals received support from Diabetes Canada and Diabète Quebec, two of the country’s leading diabetes organizations.
FreeStyle Libre sensors are worn on the back of the upper arm and offer glucose readings that are measured every minute, providing data without the need for fingersticks.
Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes and Clinician-Scientist, University of Toronto director Dr. Bruce Perkins said in the release that access to the FreeStyle Libre technology will significantly help healthcare workers monitor glucose status with limited direct contact, preserving valuable personal protective equipment.
“Providing frontline healthcare workers with technology and equipment is critical in the fight against COVID-19,” added Marie-Flore Nabor, general manager of Abbott’s diabetes care business in Canada. “Health Canada’s quick action to make FreeStyle Libre sensors available in hospitals will help frontline healthcare workers better monitor and manage the glucose levels of patients and, at the same time, help limit COVID-19 exposure.”
Abbott’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 aren’t limited to its diabetes business, as it launched its third test for the virus earlier this month. The company plans to distribute 4 million tests by the end of the month, ramping up to 20 million tests a month by June.
