Metabolics

Abbott’s research in metabolic diseases focuses primarily on the intersection of dyslipidemia, diabetes and obesity. The number of individuals with metabolic disease is reaching epidemic proportions. The incidence of diabetes in the United States has increased 14 percent in just the last two years and now affects 7 percent of the population, or 20.8 million Americans.

In Canada, 2 million individuals have diabetes and this number is expected to rise to 3 million by 2010 (Canadian Diabetes Association).

Furthermore 59% of Canadians are overweight and 1 in 4 are obese (2004 Canadian Community Health Survey). This increases the risk for developing metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular complications.

Other developed nations are seeing similar growth rates, the result of increasing obese and aging populations. Significant unmet medical need exists for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders.

In order to battle these disease processes, Abbott is actively engaged in the identification of novel breakthrough compounds to improve metabolic health through better glycemic control, reduced body weight and improved lipid profiles.