Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced today that it received expanded reimbursement coverage in Japan for the FreeStyle Libre system.
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare approved the expansion for the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system to include all people with diabetes who use insulin at least once per day.
Abbott Park, Illinois-based Abbott said the expanded coverage enables more people with diabetes to access the glucose data needed for managing their condition without the need for the routine fingersticks commonly associated with traditional blood glucose monitoring.
The reimbursement expansion in Japan takes effect on April 1, 2022. The company said the expansion was granted based on FreeStyle Libre’s overall value proposition, which included ease of use and scientific evidence of the clinical benefits associated with using FreeStyle Libre.
“The best healthcare solution is the one that helps the most people, which is why we designed our FreeStyle Libre system with access and affordability in mind from the very beginning,” Jared Watkin, SVP of Abbott’s diabetes business, said in a news release. “FreeStyle Libre systems provide a complete and comprehensive glucose picture without the need for routine fingersticks. The technology helps enable behavior change, which ultimately helps people live better, fuller lives.”