Abbott Enters Into Agreement With Inpeco to Expand Laboratory Automati

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Inpeco S.p.A. to expand its laboratory automation capabilities. Through the agreement, Abbott plans to offer a suite of automation solutions that can be customized to address key needs within the laboratory, enhancing the consistency and efficiency of the diagnostic testing process.

"Laboratories are looking at automation to help them address labor shortages, improve safety and reduce errors," said Douglas C. Bryant, vice president, Global Commercial Operations, Diagnostics Division, Abbott. "Many of Abbott's diagnostic instruments and software already address some of these challenges. However, this agreement allows Abbott to offer a broader range of automation solutions that can be customized to support the lab's unique workflow needs."

Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott obtains non-exclusive rights to distribute and market Inpeco laboratory automation equipment worldwide. Additionally, Abbott will have access to new lab automation technologies developed by Inpeco. This gives Abbott the ability to incorporate technological advancements, including information technology and robotics, into future automation solutions.

"Improving the quality and process efficiency of the laboratory, through innovative and simple-to-use technologies, has been the key driver of our business," said Andrea Pedrazzini, president and chief executive officer, Inpeco. "By working with Abbott, we're able to provide a new level of automation for diagnostic laboratories that capitalizes on the strengths of Abbott's diagnostic instruments."

Abbott and Inpeco will partner to design, develop and commercialize interfaces between Abbott's ARCHITECT(R) and CELL-DYN(R) family of analyzers and Inpeco's suite of modular, laboratory automation components to create an enhanced pre/post-analytical workcell, an immunochemistry track workcell, a hematology track workcell or a customized combination of the three. Abbott will also offer laboratories additional flexibility by utilizing an open architecture. This open-system approach gives laboratories the ability to customize a system that best meets their needs.

Abbott is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics and offers a broad range of innovative instrument systems designed to enhance laboratory workflow and productivity. Laboratory-focused designs such as common user interfaces, the ability to use common reagents among platforms, carryover reduction and clot detection not only minimize training, but also reduce inventory costs and sample contamination potential, leading to better results for laboratories, physicians and, ultimately, patients.

Abbott plans to begin introducing its expanded automation offering during the second quarter of 2005.

About Inpeco

Since 1990, Inpeco has specialized in providing automation solutions to improve and simplify the process and operations of laboratories. With expertise in automation, robotics, sample and data management, clinical chemistry and patient-related activities, Inpeco develops and manufactures products to help laboratories improve operational efficiency. Product quality and innovation are major goals. For more information, visit http://www.inpeco.com/ .

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 60,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com/ .