Recently, Abbott announced itsLiberta RC Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) System has received FDA approval.As an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, it is about to be launched in the U.S. market.

According to Fierce Biotech,This product is currently the smallest, implantable, rechargeable DCS system on the market.With a volume of only 13.79 cubic centimeters, it is nearly one-third smaller than similar products from Abbott and its competitors. For reference, the smallest rechargeable DBS product previously available on the market had a volume of19 cubic centimeters.

Data shows that Medtronic currently dominates the DBS market with over 80% market share, while Abbott and Boston Scientific split the remaining market. Over the past several years, the three giants have been continuously maneuvering and intensifying their efforts to capture a larger share.Can the launch of Liberta RC bring new variables to the market landscape?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), commonly known as the "brain pacemaker,"It is a therapeutic technique used to treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, dystonia, and essential tremor.At the same time, it has broad prospects in the treatment exploration of refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, addiction, and anorexia nervosa.

Like other deep brain stimulators, Abbott's Liberta RC sends electrical pulses through the nervous system to the brain to block irregular signals that cause movement problems.

Remote Programming Technology

The difference is that itsInternally equipped with Abbott's proprietary NeuroSphere technology.This is a virtual clinic that provides secure in-app video chat and integrated remote programming capabilities, allowing patients, people with chronic illnesses or disabilities to remotely contact doctors. Similarly, doctors can also use this application to remotely transmit new treatment prescriptions to patients' neurostimulation devices.NeuroSphere received FDA approval in March 2021.

When introducing this technology, Abbott aptly used"The Future is Now"Describe it.

The smallest volume on the market

Not only that, but Liberta RC also leads the development of implantable pulse generator technology. As the smallest DBS product on the market, its IPG part features a compact design and a low implantation profile.Making it smaller in volume compared to other similar products, with a volume of only 13.79 cubic centimeters.In order to better understand this size，Abbott compares the height and width of the Liberta RC to the face of a smartwatch and claims that the implant can fit in a spoonful of water with room to spare.

Ultra-Long-Life Battery

It is worth mentioning that, despite its smaller size, the Liberta RC still delivers excellent battery performance. According to a survey by Abbott,Users of DBS products often choose to charge the battery in the middle of the night, as no one wants to pause their life for it.To this end, they have significantly extended the product's battery life.

Data shows that the Liberta RC can operate continuously for 37 days under standard settings, meaning it only needs to be charged about 10 times per year.Compared with other similar products, the charging frequency is greatly reduced. In addition, when charging is needed, users only need to place the wireless charger on the implantation site of the device, and they can continue their daily activities while transmitting power to the stimulator.

As a global leader in the healthcare industry, Abbott brings cutting-edge technology to life, with leading products spanning diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and other healthcare fields. Among these，Abbott's neuromodulation products stem from the acquisition of St. Jude Medical, with its product line centered around Proclaim XR and Proclaim DRG.

In 2016, Abbott acquired St. Jude Medical for approximately $25 billion (approximately RMB 160 billion). St. Jude Medical ranked second in the cardiovascular device field, just behind Medtronic, and was a giant company larger than Abbott.In the single field of cardiovascular devices, Abbott's acquisition of St. Jude Medical was a case of a smaller entity swallowing a larger one, ultimately facilitated by Abbott Group's strong capabilities.

With this acquisition, Abbott has not only surpassed Boston Scientific to secure the second place in the industry but also closed the gap significantly with Medtronic.