On April 17, 2024 Circio Holding ASA (OSE: CRNA), a biotechnology company developing next generation circular RNA vector technology for gene therapy, reported that it has established technical in vivo proof-of-concept for its proprietary circVec circular RNA platform by demonstrating statistically significant improvement in durability over mRNA-based expression (Press release, Circio, APR 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234642135]). The circVec technology has broad potential, particularly to enhance the potency and reduce cost of current gold-standard gene therapy, and the R&D strategy is centered on this rapidly expanding therapeutic area.

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"The circVec 2.1 design is performing very well in vitro, and this is now being translated in vivo with demonstration of enhanced expression level and durability for circVec 2.1 DNA vectors in mouse models. This provides an important technical proof-of-concept for Circio´s technology platform in a real biological system, which we expect will translate into improved gene therapies for patients in the future," said Dr. Thomas B Hansen, CTO at Circio. "This new data indicate that circVec has the potential to outperform current gold-standard gene therapy approaches, and we are rapidly advancing to design and test circVec in several AAV and DNA-based therapeutic vector formats."

In parallel to the in vivo characterization, Circio has tested and incorporated further features into the circVec platform. A dual-function ‘remove-&-replace’ concept has been designed and validated in vitro for Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), with the ability to both replace functional AAT protein and remove the disease variant. This genetic disease causes severe symptoms in the lung and liver, and there are currently no satisfactory therapeutic options available. AATD represents a major unmet medical need and there are over 200,000 patients affected in the USA and EU.

"Establishing a robust technical in vivo proof-of-concept is a major milestone for the development of the circVec platform. Based on this validation, Circio will now explore which targets and diseases represent the best therapeutic and commercial opportunities," said Dr. Erik Digman Wiklund, CEO at Circio. "Initially, we have selected AATD as the lead program where our unique ‘remove-&-replace’ circVec design has an opportunity to solve two pathological issues in a single differentiated product. Our aim is to establish in vivo proof-of-concept in AATD within the next twelve months and select a lead therapeutic candidate by the middle of next year. We are confident that circVec can be highly effective in AATD and produce novel gene therapies that outperform current approaches."

To Circio´s knowledge, circVec 2.1 far exceeds other known intra-cellular circRNA-based expression systems, both in terms of circRNA biogenesis efficiency and protein yield. The platform still has further potential, and Circio is continuously improving the technology towards circVec 3.0 and beyond. The platform is protected by deep internal expertise and know-how, with three patents protecting the core technological features filed to date, and additional applications in progress.

"Although AATD is Circio´s lead internal focus, we are continuously exploring new applications and disease targets to build and broaden our technology platform and have several ongoing external dialogues to identify opportunities for future collaborations. Circio is currently working to address specific questions and requests from these prospective partners and aim to complete our first business development transaction within the next twelve months," said Dr. Lubor Gaal, CFO and Head of Business Development at Circio.

The recent circVec data, as well as a financial update and information about the intended fundraising during Q2 2024, are presented and discussed in a webcast available via Circio´s webpage and the Redeye platform link:

Link to webcast – access via Redeye

Circio company update 17 April PDF.pdf

On April 17, 2024 Circio Holding ASA (OSE: CRNA, "Circio"), a biotechnology company developing next generation circular RNA vector technology for gene therapy, reported that it is initiating a fundraising process with the intent to raise around NOK 50-60 million or more in gross proceeds from existing shareholders and new investors in a partially underwritten rights issue to be completed during Q2 2024 (Press release, Circio, APR 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234642134]).

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"The board strongly believes in the potential of Circio´s unique circVec platform, and this intended fundraising will provide the company with the required capital to validate the significant advantage of the technology in gene therapy," said Damian Marron, Chairman of Circio. "With twelve months runway, Circio will have time to reach important R&D milestones and will aim to achieve its first business development deal, thereby delivering value to our shareholders."

Existing convertible bond investor Atlas Capital Markets is supportive of, and intends to participate in, the intended fundraising. Members of Circio´s board and management have pre-committed to participate with around NOK 2 million, including NOK 500.000 by CEO Dr. Erik D Wiklund.

"Circio has now demonstrated technical validation for its circVec circular RNA platform both in vitro and in vivo and is pushing ahead to establish in vivo proof-of-concept for its novel circVec gene therapy formats," said Dr. Erik Digman Wiklund, CEO at Circio. "This financing will enable Circio to develop the lead program in AATD towards selection of a lead therapeutic candidate by the middle of next year. In parallel, Circio will continue to improve and expand the circVec platform, which will open opportunities for multiple future revenue-generating partnerships both in the short- and long-term."

Circio will update the market in due time when the structure and timing of the intended transaction have been determined.

Redeye AB will be acting as financial advisor to Circio and sole bookrunner in the transaction and Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is acting as legal advisor.

On April 17, 2024 Circio Holding ASA (OSE: CRNA), a biotechnology company developing next generation circular RNA vector technology for gene therapy and cancer vaccines, reported that it has terminated the exclusive TG01 KRAS cancer vaccine license option agreement with IOVaxis therapeutics in Greater China and Singapore (Press release, Circio, APR 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234642133]).

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On 1 March 2024, IOVaxis Therapeutics´ IND-application to initiate TG01 clinical development in China was approved, triggering a USD 3 million license fee to Circio. Circio initially granted IOVaxis a six-month payment extension following an immediate USD 300,000 down-payment. However, despite multiple exchanges with IOVaxis, the agreed USD 300,000 down-payment has not been made and no plan has been provided to do so.

"IOVaxis has not met the first financial payment milestone and Circio has therefore decided to terminate the TG01 license agreement in China. The three collaborative clinical studies in the USA and EU are proceeding according to plan and remain the primary TG01 development priority," said Dr. Erik Digman Wiklund, CEO at Circio. "Circio will now seek alternative partnering options in China for the TG01 program. Should IOVaxis demonstrate in the future that it has secured the required capital to cover its obligations and initiate TG01 clinical development, then discussions can potentially be reactivated to find a path forward."

Circio currently has three ongoing collaborative TG01 clinical trials with industry and academic partners in the USA and Europe in RAS-mutated multiple myeloma, pancreatic and lung cancer, which are unaffected by this license termination in China.

On April 17, 2024 BioLineRx Ltd. (NASDAQ: BLRX) (TASE: BLRX), a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company pursuing life-changing therapies in oncology and rare diseases, reported a poster presentation on apheresis center efficiency and CXCR4 antagonists including APHEXDA (motixafortide) in patients with multiple myeloma (Press release, BioLineRx, APR 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234642132]). The poster will be presented at the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) 2024 Annual Meeting, taking place April 17-19, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is part of the standard of care treatment paradigm for multiple myeloma and prolongs survival for patients with this cancer type.1 Historically, depending on induction regimens and mobilization strategies, approximately 50% to 75% of patients required more than one apheresis session to collect a target number of cells.2,3

The model in the poster at ASFA analyzed the number of apheresis days needed to collect ≥6 million CD34+ cells/kg using different mobilization regimens based on product-specific Phase 3 studies. A direct comparison was used between daily filgrastim alone and in combination with APHEXDA based on the Phase 3 GENESIS trial that supported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of APHEXDA. In the absence of head-to-head Phase 3 studies, an indirect comparison was made between daily filgrastim, plerixafor in combination with filgrastim, and APHEXDA in combination with filgrastim. The calculations were based on data from the MOZOBIL (plerixafor) US Prescribing Information and local laboratory assessments in the GENESIS trial.4

"Variability in the time to mobilize sufficient stem cells for ASCT is a significant operational challenge for apheresis centers that can cause suboptimal experiences for patients, as well as delays in care and cost impact," said Edmund K. Waller, MD, PhD, FACP, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University. "Research of this type supports clinical and institutional decision making and we look forward to presenting the model at the poster session at ASFA."

Poster Presentation at the ASFA 2024 Annual Meeting
The Resorts World, Las Vegas, NV
Poster Session Details
Poster: Number P-28. See abstract in Journal of Clinical Apheresis.
Title: Enhancing Apheresis Center Efficiency with CXCR4 Antagonists: Evidence from the Phase 3 Trials
Authors: Edmund K. Waller, MD, PhD, FACP, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Date: April 17-19, 2024

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects some white blood cells called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. When damaged, these plasma cells rapidly spread and replace normal cells in the bone marrow. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2024, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and nearly 13,000 people will die from the disease in the U.S.5 While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems, or infections.

About the GENESIS Trial
GENESIS (NCT 03246529) is a 2-part, Phase-3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study evaluating the safety and efficacy of APHEXDA (motixafortide) plus filgrastim (G-CSF), compared to placebo plus filgrastim, for the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells for autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma patients. Part 1 was a single center, lead-in, open-label study involving 12 patients treated with motixafortide plus filgrastim designed to ascertain the dose. Part 2 involved 122 patients who were randomized 2:1 in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate if one dose of motixafortide plus filgrastim is superior to placebo plus filgrastim in the ability to mobilize ≥ 6 million CD34+ cells in up to two apheresis sessions. A key secondary objective of the study was to evaluate if one dose of motixafortide plus filgrastim is superior to placebo plus filgrastim in the ability to mobilize ≥ 6 million CD34+ cells in one apheresis session. The study showed that APHEXDA combined with filgrastim (G-CSF) significantly enhanced the rate of mobilizing ≥6 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg in up to 2 apheresis days compared to placebo + filgrastim. Central laboratory assessments were used for the efficacy results. Local laboratory results were used for clinical treatment decisions.

About APHEXDA
APHEXDA (motixafortide) is a CXCR4 antagonist with long receptor occupancy (greater than 72 hours) that, in combination with filgrastim (G-CSF), enables mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma.6

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION
APHEXDA is indicated in combination with filgrastim (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
APHEXDA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to motixafortide.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Anaphylactic Shock and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Anaphylactic shock and hypersensitivity reactions have occurred. Premedicate all patients with a triple drug premedication regimen that includes an H1-antihistamine, an H2 blocker, and a leukotriene inhibitor approximately 30-60 minutes prior to each dose of APHEXDA. Administer APHEXDA in a setting where personnel and therapies are immediately available for treatment of anaphylaxis and other systemic reactions. Monitor patients for 1 hour following APHEXDA administration and manage reactions promptly. Patients receiving negative chronotropic drugs (e.g., beta-blockers) may be more at risk for hypotension in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction and these drugs, when appropriate, should be replaced with non-chronotropic drugs.
Injection Site Reactions: Injection site reactions (73%) including pain (53%), erythema (27%), and pruritus (24%) have occurred. Severe reactions occurred in 9% of patients. Premedicate with an analgesic premedication (e.g., acetaminophen) prior to each APHEXDA dose. Use analgesic medication and local treatments post-dose, as needed.
Tumor Cell Mobilization in Patients with Leukemia: For the purpose of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization, APHEXDA may cause mobilization of leukemic cells and subsequent contamination of the apheresis product. Therefore, APHEXDA is not intended for HSC mobilization and harvest in patients with leukemia.
Leukocytosis: Administering APHEXDA in conjunction with filgrastim increases circulating leukocytes as well as HSC populations. Monitor white blood cell counts during APHEXDA use.
Potential for Tumor Cell Mobilization: When APHEXDA is used in combination with filgrastim for HSC mobilization, tumor cells may be released from the marrow and subsequently collected in the leukapheresis product. The effect of potential reinfusion of tumor cells has not been well-studied.
Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, APHEXDA can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with APHEXDA and advise use of effective contraception during treatment and for 8 days after the final dose.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (incidence >20%) in patients treated with APHEXDA were injection site reactions [73%, including pain (53%), erythema (27%), pruritus (24%)]; pruritus (38%); flushing (33%); back pain (21%).

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: Please see the important information in Warnings and Precautions under Embryo-fetal Toxicity.

Lactation: There are no data on the presence of motixafortide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Advise females that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with APHEXDA and for 8 days after the final dose.

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of APHEXDA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information.

On April 17, 2024 Abbott (NYSE: ABT) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (Press release, Abbott, APR 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234642131]).

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First-quarter GAAP diluted EPS of $0.70 and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.98, which excludes specified items.
Abbott narrowed its full-year 2024 EPS guidance range. Abbott projects full-year diluted EPS on a GAAP basis of $3.25 to $3.40 and projects adjusted diluted EPS of $4.55 to $4.70, which represents an increase at the midpoint of the range.
Abbott narrowed its full-year 2024 organic sales growth guidance range, excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales, to 8.5% to 10.0%, which represents an increase at the midpoint of the range2.
In January, Abbott launched the Protality brand, a new high-protein nutrition shake to support the growing number of adults interested in pursuing weight loss while maintaining muscle mass.
In February, Insulet’s Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System received CE Mark approval to be offered as an integrated solution with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor for treating diabetes.
In March, Abbott completed enrollment in the company’s Volt CE Mark clinical study, which is designed to evaluate the Volt Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System for treating patients with heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Enrollment in the company’s VOLT-AF IDE clinical study was initiated in April.
In April, Abbott announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of TriClip, a first-of-its-kind, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with tricuspid regurgitation, or a leaky tricuspid heart valve.
In April, Abbott announced FDA approval of the i-STAT TBI test, which helps assess a suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion in just 15 minutes. This new test can be performed outside of traditional hospital settings, making it more accessible and convenient for patients.
"Our first-quarter results reflect a strong start to the year, and we are raising our full-year sales and EPS guidance," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "This was the fifth consecutive quarter that we delivered double-digit organic sales growth in our underlying base business, which included particularly strong results in Medical Devices and Established Pharmaceuticals."

FIRST-QUARTER BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Management believes that measuring sales growth rates on an organic basis, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange, and the impact of the acquisition of Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (CSI), is an appropriate way for investors to best understand the core underlying performance of the business. Management further believes that measuring sales growth rates on an organic basis excluding COVID-19 tests is an appropriate way for investors to best understand underlying base business performance as the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted to an endemic state, resulting in significantly lower demand for COVID-19 tests.

Note: In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied ordivided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied ordivided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates.

Total Company

First Quarter 2024 Results (1Q24)

Sales 1Q24 ($ in millions)

Total Company

Nutrition

Diagnostics

Established
Pharmaceuticals

Medical Devices

U.S.

3,846

878

931

—

2,034

International

6,118

1,190

1,283

1,226

2,419

Total reported

9,964

2,068

2,214

1,226

4,453

% Change vs. 1Q23

U.S.

(2.1)

8.1

(30.3)

n/a

14.4

International

5.2

3.0

(5.1)

3.1

14.0

Total reported

2.2

5.1

(17.6)

3.1

14.2

Impact of foreign exchange

(2.9)

(2.6)

(2.1)

(10.6)

(1.2)

Impact of CSI acquisition

0.4

—

—

—

1.1

Organic

4.7

7.7

(15.5)

13.7

14.3

Impact of COVID-19 testing sales

(6.1)

—

(20.9)

—

—

Organic (excluding COVID-19 tests)

10.8

7.7

5.4

13.7

14.3

U.S.

10.0

8.1

7.0

n/a

12.1

International

11.3

7.4

4.4

13.7

16.1

Refer to table titled "Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of adjusted historical revenue to reported revenue.

Nutrition

First Quarter 2024 Results (1Q24)

Sales 1Q24 ($ in millions)

Total

Pediatric

Adult

U.S.

878

514

364

International

1,190

495

695

Total reported

2,068

1,009

1,059

% Change vs. 1Q23

U.S.

8.1

12.0

3.0

International

3.0

6.4

0.8

Total reported

5.1

9.2

1.5

Impact of foreign exchange

(2.6)

(1.3)

(3.8)

Organic

7.7

10.5

5.3

U.S.

8.1

12.0

3.0

International

7.4

8.9

6.4

Worldwide Nutrition sales increased 5.1 percent on a reported basis and 7.7 percent on an organic basis in the first quarter.

In Pediatric Nutrition, global sales increased 9.2 percent on a reported basis and 10.5 percent on an organic basis. In the U.S., sales growth of 12.0 percent was primarily driven by market share gains in the infant formula business. International sales increased 6.4 percent on a reported basis and 8.9 percent on an organic basis, which was led by strong growth in Canada and several countries in Asia Pacific and Latin America.

In Adult Nutrition, global sales increased 1.5 percent on a reported basis and 5.3 percent on an organic basis, which was led by growth of Ensure, Abbott’s market-leading complete and balanced nutrition brand.

Diagnostics

First Quarter 2024 Results (1Q24)

Sales 1Q24 ($ in millions)

Total

Core Laboratory

Molecular

Point of Care

Rapid
Diagnostics

U.S.

931

310

42

98

481

International

1,283

895

87

41

260

Total reported

2,214

1,205

129

139

741

% Change vs. 1Q23

U.S.

(30.3)

7.3

(10.6)

5.6

(46.9)

International

(5.1)

0.2

(12.5)

(0.6)

(18.3)

Total reported

(17.6)

2.0

(11.9)

3.7

(39.5)

Impact of foreign exchange

(2.1)

(3.9)

(0.2)

0.1

(0.8)

Organic

(15.5)

5.9

(11.7)

3.6

(38.7)

Impact of COVID-19 testing sales

(20.9)

(0.3)

(10.9)

—

(44.3)

Organic (excluding COVID-19 tests)

5.4

6.2

(0.8)

3.6

5.6

U.S.

7.0

7.7

6.2

5.6

6.9

International

4.4

5.7

(3.6)

(0.8)

3.5

As expected, Diagnostics sales growth in the first quarter was negatively impacted by year-over-year declines in COVID-19 testing-related sales3. Worldwide COVID-19 testing sales were $204 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $730 million in the first quarter of the prior year.

Excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales, global Diagnostics sales increased 2.7 percent on a reported basis and 5.4 percent on an organic basis.

Excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales, global Core Laboratory Diagnostics sales increased 2.2 percent on a reported basis and 6.2 percent on an organic basis, led by continued strong adoption of Abbott’s Alinity family of diagnostics systems and testing portfolios.

Established Pharmaceuticals

First Quarter 2024 Results (1Q24)

Sales 1Q24 ($ in millions)

Total

Key Emerging
Markets

Other

U.S.

—

—

—

International

1,226

928

298

Total reported

1,226

928

298

% Change vs. 1Q23

U.S.

n/a

n/a

n/a

International

3.1

1.7

7.6

Total reported

3.1

1.7

7.6

Impact of foreign exchange

(10.6)

(13.7)

(0.6)

Organic

13.7

15.4

8.2

U.S.

n/a

n/a

n/a

International

13.7

15.4

8.2

Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased 3.1 percent on a reported basis and 13.7 percent on an organic basis in the first quarter.

Key Emerging Markets include several emerging countries that represent the most attractive long-term growth opportunities for Abbott’s branded generics product portfolio. Sales in these geographies increased 1.7 percent on a reported basis and 15.4 percent on an organic basis, led by growth in several geographies and therapeutic areas, including respiratory, women’s health, and central nervous system/pain management.

View News Release Full Screen
Medical Devices

First Quarter 2024 Results (1Q24)

Sales 1Q24 ($ in millions)

Total

Rhythm
Management

Electro-
physiology

Heart
Failure

Vascular

Structural
Heart

Neuro-
modulation

Diabetes
Care

U.S.

2,034

271

269

237

254

233

181

589

International

2,419

291

318

68

435

282

45

980

Total reported

4,453

562

587

305

689

515

226

1,569

% Change vs. 1Q23

U.S.

14.4

4.5

13.1

8.7

16.4

10.8

16.8

22.8

International

14.0

9.0

18.9

7.7

9.1

12.5

9.8

17.6

Total reported

14.2

6.8

16.2

8.5

11.7

11.7

15.3

19.5

Impact of foreign exchange

(1.2)

(0.7)

(2.2)

0.1

(1.0)

(1.3)

(2.1)

(1.2)

Impact of CSI

1.1

—

—

—

6.9

—

—

—

Organic

14.3

7.5

18.4

8.4

5.8

13.0

17.4

20.7

U.S.

12.1

4.5

13.1

8.7

(1.8)

10.8

16.8

22.8

International

16.1

10.3

23.0

7.1

9.9

14.8

19.6

19.6

Worldwide Medical Devices sales increased 14.2 percent on a reported basis and 14.3 percent on an organic basis in the first quarter, including double-digit growth in both the U.S. and internationally.

Sales growth was led by double-digit growth in Diabetes Care, Electrophysiology, Neuromodulation, and Structural Heart. Several recently launched products and new indications contributed to the strong performance, including Amplatzer Amulet, Navitor, TriClip, and AVEIR.

In Electrophysiology, internationally, sales grew 18.9 percent on a reported and 23.0 percent on an organic basis, which included organic sales growth of 20.4 percent in Europe.

In Diabetes Care, FreeStyle Libre sales were $1.5 billion, which represents sales growth of 22.4 percent on a reported basis and 23.3 percent on an organic basis.

ABBOTT’S EARNINGS-PER-SHARE GUIDANCE
Abbott projects full-year 2024 diluted earnings per share under GAAP of $3.25 to $3.40. Abbott forecasts specified items for the full-year 2024 of $1.30 per share primarily related to intangible amortization, restructuring and cost reduction initiatives and other net expenses. Excluding specified items, projected adjusted diluted earnings per share would be $4.55 to $4.70 for the full-year 2024.

Abbott projects second-quarter 2024 diluted earnings per share under GAAP of $0.69 to $0.73. Abbott forecasts specified items for the second-quarter 2024 of $0.39 per share primarily related to intangible amortization, restructuring and cost reduction initiatives and other net expenses. Excluding specified items, projected adjusted diluted earnings per share would be $1.08 to $1.12 for the second quarter 2024.

ABBOTT DECLARES 401ST CONSECUTIVE QUARTERLY DIVIDEND
On February 16, 2024, the board of directors of Abbott declared the company’s quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share. Abbott’s cash dividend is payable May 15, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2024.

Abbott has increased its dividend payout for 52 consecutive years and is a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have annually increased their dividend for at least 25 consecutive years.