Abbott announced the Health Canada Licensing of NeuroSphere(TM) Virtual Clinic, a remote programming technology that is the first of its kind in Canada and is compatible with Abbott's suite of neuromodulation technologies. NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic has the potential to increase access to optimal treatment for patients living with chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, or essential tremors who might otherwise have difficulty receiving care from their healthcare provider due to location or being unable to travel to seek care.Abbott's NeuroSphere Virtual Clinic gives patients the flexibility and comfort of receiving care anywhere(--) by connecting with their doctor via secure in-app video chat and an integrated remote programming feature. This feature enables clinicians to prescribe new treatment settings remotely to the patient's neurostimulation device using the clinician programmer app and a new, simple, and secure remote care connection.

In Canada, it is estimated that more than 6 million people live with chronic pain, almost 100,000 people live with Parkinson's disease, and almost 2 million people live with an essential tremor. Many of these people who don't live close to a healthcare centre have difficulty accessing care due to the inability to see their doctor in-person. They are often challenged by the time associated with the trip, and/or the availability of a caregiver to help with their travel.

In addition to the time implications, patients and caregivers may experience considerable travel-related costs and reduced employment wages. This is particularly true for those living in rural, northern, and remote parts of the country.