ABBOTT PARK, IL - Dec. 29, 2004 − Abbott has committed $4 million in funding and healthcare product donations to the victims of the natural disasters in Southeast Asia and the eastern coast of Africa.

Working through international humanitarian agencies, AmeriCares and Project HOPE, global healthcare company Abbott is sending needed prescription drugs and nutritional aid. Among the donated Abbott products are Biaxin®, Biaxin XL®, Omnicef®, Pedialyte®, PediaSure® and Rehydralyte®. The Abbott product donation is expected to help approximately 60,000 people and is valued at $2 million.

Additionally, Abbott is donating $2 million in funding through relief agencies working on the ground in the affected regions. And, employees in Abbott's Egyptian affiliate have pledged one hour of their salary to assist in relief efforts.

Abbott's 55,000 employees around the world express their deepest sympathies to the victims of this tragedy and to their families.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

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About Abbott and the Abbott Fund

The Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951. The Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health care and strengthen communities worldwide. For more information, visit www.abbottfund.org.

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at www.abbott.com.

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