About this book:

"Abbott Laboratories: The Story of An American Company" chronicles the remarkable journey of a healthcare giant from its humble beginnings in a 19th-century Chicago pharmacy to its current standing as a diversified global leader. Founded by Dr. Wallace Calvin Abbott in 1888 with the revolutionary concept of precise "dosimetric granules," the book traces the company's evolution from the Abbott Alkaloidal Company to the internationally recognized Abbott Laboratories. It highlights key periods of growth, including its crucial role in developing essential drugs during World War I, its strategic public listing, and its significant international expansion, starting with its first affiliate in Canada.

The narrative delves into Abbott's pivotal medical breakthroughs, such as the groundbreaking Sodium Pentothal, which revolutionized anesthesia, and its swift entry into the diagnostics field with early blood chemistry and hepatitis testing. A major focus is placed on Abbott's monumental contribution to public health with the development of the first licensed HIV diagnostic test, transforming blood safety worldwide. The book also details the company's strategic portfolio management, including major acquisitions like Ross Laboratories (bringing in iconic nutrition brands like Similac and Ensure) and St. Jude Medical (significantly expanding its medical device presence), as well as the landmark 2013 split into two independent companies, Abbott and AbbVie. The final chapters explore Abbott's ongoing innovations in diabetes care with FreeStyle Libre and smart technologies, its leadership in cardiovascular and neuromodulation devices, and its global branded generic medicines business, underscoring its relentless investment in R&D and commitment to corporate social responsibility.

What You'll Find Inside:

• **Visionary Origins to Global Leader:** Explore how Dr. Wallace Calvin Abbott's 19th-century quest for precise drug formulation evolved into a diversified global healthcare powerhouse, from dosimetric granules to modern medical technology.
• **Strategic Diversification and Iconic Brands:** Understand Abbott's pivotal expansion into nutrition with the acquisition of Ross Laboratories (Similac, Ensure, Pedialyte) and its revolutionary entry into diagnostics, including the first licensed HIV test.
• **Groundbreaking Medical Devices and Anesthetics:** Discover Abbott's transformative contributions, from the development of Sodium Pentothal, which revolutionized anesthesia, to its leadership in cardiovascular (MitraClip, stents) and neuromodulation devices.
• **Reinvention and Portfolio Management:** Learn about the strategic AbbVie split, which redefined Abbott's focus on medical devices, diagnostics, and nutrition, alongside its aggressive acquisition strategy to build market leadership.
• **Future of Connected Health and AI:** Gain insight into Abbott's forward-looking innovations in diabetes care with FreeStyle Libre, its expansion into consumer biowearables (Lingo), and its integration of AI across diagnostics and medical devices for personalized health solutions.

Who's It For:

This book is for anyone interested in the history of American industry, the evolution of healthcare and pharmaceutical science, and the strategies behind building and maintaining a global corporate giant. It will particularly appeal to business students, healthcare professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to understand how a company adapts, innovates, and manages complex challenges over more than a century to remain a leader in its field.