Abbott Dedicates New Molecular Diagnostics Headquarters in Des Plaines, Ill.
-- Abbott recognized for bringing advanced science and medical technology to
northwest suburban Chicago --
DES PLAINES, Ill., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced the dedication of a new facility in Des Plaines, Ill., devoted to the discovery, development and manufacturing of molecular diagnostic products for cancer, HIV and other medical conditions.
The 208,000-square-foot facility on 17.5 acres will serve as headquarters for Abbott's worldwide molecular diagnostics business, which provides tests and automated instrument systems to detect pathogens and subtle changes in patients' genes and chromosomes, which permits earlier diagnosis, the selection of appropriate therapies, and improved monitoring of diseases. Abbott Molecular products include the PathVysion(R) HER-2 DNA Probe Kit, a test used to help select women with metastatic breast cancer who could benefit from Herceptin(R) therapy.
Employees were joined at the dedication this morning by community leaders, government representatives and Abbott executives, including Jack Lavin, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development; Rep. Rosemary Mulligan (65th District); Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia; Miles D. White, Abbott chairman and chief executive officer; Richard Gonzalez, Abbott president and chief operating officer; and Edward Michael, president, Abbott Molecular.
"For more than a century, breakthrough science has been at the core of our ability to provide health care solutions for patients, and this new state-of-the-art facility and the many talented scientists and professionals who work here will help Abbott continue to deliver on our commitments to those we serve," said Abbott Chairman and CEO Miles D. White.
Abbott purchased the property, located at 1300 East Touhy Avenue, north of O'Hare International Airport, in 2003 and has invested more than $45 million in the facility, including renovation and conversion of the building for manufacturing and research and development. The facility currently employs approximately 300 people -- including more than 40 professionals who hold Ph.D. or M.D. degrees -- and has allowed Abbott Molecular to consolidate all functions previously operating in Downers Grove and Abbott Park, Ill., to one centralized location in Des Plaines.
"Abbott Molecular represents one of the largest biotechnology companies in the northwest suburbs, and we're honored to have such an important contributor to science and medicine in our own backyard," said Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia.
"A thriving biotechnology industry in Illinois represents thousands of new jobs and vigorous economic growth for our state to be sure, but it also represents a higher quality of life for our citizens," said Jack Lavin, director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "Governor Blagojevich and I are proud that Abbott's molecular diagnostics business will help detect and prevent some of the deadliest diseases around and allow our citizens to live longer, healthier lives. By continuing to work together in the spirit of innovation, there is no limit to what we can accomplish."
"We're looking forward to growing with this vibrant community and excited about the opportunities to make a difference in peoples' lives through our science and advanced diagnostic technologies," said Edward Michael, president, Abbott Molecular.
Abbott Molecular provides laboratories and physicians with critical information based on the early detection of pathogens and subtle changes in patients' genes and chromosomes, allowing for earlier diagnosis, selection of appropriate therapies and monitoring of disease progression. The business includes instruments and reagents used to conduct sophisticated analysis of patient DNA and RNA. In 2002, Abbott formed an alliance with Celera Diagnostics focused on developing and marketing a broad menu of next- generation molecular diagnostics products for unmet medical and laboratory needs. Through its Vysis products, Abbott Molecular offers innovative genomic tests for chromosome changes associated with congenital disorders and cancer, including the PathVysion(R) HER-2 DNA Probe Kit and UroVysion(R), which detects genetic changes in bladder cells for aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer in patients with hematuria (blood in the urine) and for monitoring of bladder cancer recurrence.
For important safety information regarding PathVysion and UroVysion, please visit http://www.pathvysion.com and http://www.urovysion.com .
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 at the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com .
SOURCE Abbott
-0- 09/29/2005
/CONTACT: Don Braakman of Abbott, +1-224-361-7246, or Karen Henrikson of
City of Des Plaines, +1-847-391-5300/
/Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/110328.html/
/Web site: http://www.pathvysion.com
http://www.urovysion.com
http://www.abbott.com /
(ABT)
CO: Abbott
ST: Illinois
IN: HEA MTC BIO
SU: PDT
SH-CM
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3787 09/29/2005 12:30 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
