1888 CE
Abbott Alkaloidal Company Founded
Dr. Wallace C. Abbott establishes the Abbott Alkaloidal Company in Chicago, focusing on producing precise doses of alkaloid drugs from plants. #pharmaceuticals #history
Chronological Storyline (37 Milestones)
1905 CE
First Product Catalog Published
Abbott publishes its first product catalog, listing over 50 alkaloid preparations, establishing a reputation for standardized pharmaceuticals. #pharmaceuticals #business
1915 CE
Incorporation as Abbott Laboratories
The company incorporates as Abbott Laboratories, expanding beyond alkaloids into broader pharmaceutical manufacturing. #corporate #history
1920 CE
First Overseas Subsidiary in Canada
Abbott establishes its first international subsidiary in Canada, marking the start of global expansion. #global #expansion
1921 CE
Wallace Abbott Dies; Robert L. Johnson Leads
Founder Dr. Wallace C. Abbott dies; leadership passes to Robert L. Johnson, who steers the company through growth. #leadership #pharmaceuticals
1928 CE
Enters Intravenous Solutions Market
Abbott introduces intravenous solutions, becoming a pioneer in hospital supplies. #medical #innovation
1933 CE
Expansion into Anesthetics
Abbott launches Pentothal (sodium thiopental), a groundbreaking intravenous anesthetic, revolutionizing surgery. #anesthesia #medical
1936 CE
First Film on Sulfa Drugs
Abbott produces an educational film on sulfa drugs, showcasing early pharmaceutical marketing and education. #marketing #pharmaceuticals
1945 CE
Enters Nutritional Products with Similac
Abbott begins manufacturing Similac infant formula, acquired from the University of Minnesota, becoming a leader in nutrition. #nutrition #infant
1950 CE
First Antibiotic: Erythrocin
Abbott launches Erythrocin (erythromycin), its first antibiotic, expanding into anti-infectives. #antibiotics #pharmaceuticals
1959 CE
International Expansion Accelerates
Abbott establishes subsidiaries in Mexico, Brazil, and other Latin American markets, broadening global reach. #global #expansion
1964 CE
First Diagnostic Test: Rubella
Abbott introduces a diagnostic test for rubella, entering the diagnostics field. #diagnostics #medical
1972 CE
Launches ABA-100 Analyzer
Abbott introduces the ABA-100, an automated blood chemistry analyzer, revolutionizing clinical diagnostics. #diagnostics #technology
1982 CE
First HIV Test Approved
Abbott receives FDA approval for the first blood screening test for HIV, a critical step in combating the AIDS epidemic. #HIV #diagnostics
1985 CE
Depakote Approved for Epilepsy
Abbott launches Depakote (valproate) for epilepsy, later becoming a top-selling drug for bipolar disorder and migraines. #neurology #pharmaceuticals
1991 CE
Acquires Ross Laboratories
Abbott acquires Ross Laboratories, gaining leading nutrition brands Similac, Pedialyte, and Ensure. #acquisition #nutrition
1995 CE
Launches Tricor for Cholesterol
Abbott introduces Tricor (fenofibrate), a lipid-lowering drug, becoming a key product in cardiovascular health. #cardiovascular #pharmaceuticals
1996 CE
Enters Vascular Intervention with ACS Acquisition
Abbott acquires Advanced Cardiovascular Systems (ACS), entering the coronary stent market. #medicaldevices #cardiology
2000 CE
Acquires Knoll Pharmaceuticals from BASF
Abbott acquires Knoll, gaining products like Meridia (weight loss) and Synthroid (thyroid). #acquisition #pharmaceuticals
2001 CE
Celebrity Celebrex Deal with Pharmacia
Abbott and Pharmacia form a co-promotion agreement for Celebrex (celecoxib), a blockbuster arthritis drug. #partnership #pharmaceuticals
2002 CE
Humira Approved for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Abbott receives FDA approval for Humira (adalimumab), a TNF inhibitor that becomes the world's top-selling drug. #biotech #pharmaceuticals
2004 CE
Acquires TheraSense for Diabetes Management
Abbott acquires TheraSense, gaining FreeStyle glucose monitoring systems and expanding into diabetes care. #diabetes #medicaldevices
2007 CE
Stent Business Boost with Guidant Acquisition
Abbott acquires Guidant's vascular intervention business, including coronary stents, strengthening its medical device portfolio. #medicaldevices #acquisition
2009 CE
Solvay Pharmaceuticals Acquisition
Abbott acquires Solvay Pharmaceuticals for $6.6 billion, gaining a strong presence in emerging markets and vaccines. #acquisition #pharma
2010 CE
Piramal Healthcare Acquisition in India
Abbott acquires Piramal Healthcare's domestic formulations business for $3.7 billion, becoming the largest pharmaceutical company in India. #India #acquisition
2013 CE
Abbott Splits into Two Companies
Abbott spins off its branded drug business into AbbVie, retaining medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition, and generics. #corporate #restructuring
2014 CE
Acquires CFR Pharmaceuticals in Latin America
Abbott acquires CFR Pharmaceuticals for $2.9 billion, expanding its nutrition and generics presence in Latin America. #acquisition #latinamerica
2015 CE
First Continous Glucose Monitor Approved in US
Abbott's FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system is approved by the FDA, revolutionizing diabetes management. #diabetes #innovation
2016 CE
Acquires Alere for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Abbott acquires Alere for $5.3 billion, becoming a leader in rapid diagnostic testing. #diagnostics #acquisition
2017 CE
FreeStyle Libre Launched Globally
Abbott launches FreeStyle Libre globally, disrupting the diabetes monitoring market with a no-fingerstick system. #diabetes #medicaldevice
2018 CE
Acquires St. Jude Medical for Cardiovascular Devices
Abbott completes acquisition of St. Jude Medical for $25 billion, strengthening its cardiovascular and neuromodulation portfolio. #cardiovascular #acquisition
2019 CE
First Heart Failure Device Approved
Abbott receives FDA approval for the CardioMEMS HF System, a wireless sensor for monitoring heart failure. #heartfailure #medicaldevice
2020 CE
COVID-19 Tests Developed
Abbott develops rapid COVID-19 molecular and antibody tests, playing a key role in pandemic response. #COVID19 #diagnostics
2021 CE
Acquires Walk Vascular on Thrombectomy
Abbott acquires Walk Vascular to expand its peripheral vascular thrombectomy technology. #acquisition #vascular
2022 CE
FreeStyle Libre 3 Approved
Abbott receives FDA approval for FreeStyle Libre 3, the world's smallest and thinnest continuous glucose monitor. #diabetes #innovation
2023 CE
Porto Alegre, Brazil Manufacturing Expansion
Abbott announces $100 million investment to expand its nutrition manufacturing plant in Porto Alegre, Brazil. #manufacturing #nutrition
2024 CE
Simplera Continuous Glucose Monitor Launches
Abbott launches Simplera CGM system in Europe, a next-generation integrated sensor for diabetes management. #diabetes #innovation