Abbott's offer - sounds like a buyout to me

I just received a call from Abbott Diabetes Care, the folks in charge of the Navigator.

They let me know that at this time, they have no expectation of resumption of supply any time soon.

But this is where it gets interesting. They also offered a "refund" for the system of $2,000 (!), plus an additional refund for any sensors I may have lying around, PLUS a 90-day supply of strips and new regular meter.

Holy moly. Sounds like a buyout to me.

So I asked questions. The information I did get was:

- Abbott is not pulling the product off the market. Systems that are working will continue to be supported.
- The inventory interruption is the result of an internal investigation into product quality issues.
- They do not have or do not know a time table for when the issues will be resolved.

They then suggested I contact my doctor to get a scrip for a competing product from another manufacturer. Those were her exact words.

Wowza. At least now we know; the product qualify problems have resulted in a decision to halt production of the system in order to allow a redesign. And the $2,000 offer sounds like a buyout of sorts... hush money. "Here, let's toss a couple grand at you folks, just don't sue us" is what it screams out to me.

So; at this point I do not expect a replacement, but rather a completely new system when they finally come out with one. And the class-action sounds more tempting with every passing day.

Abbott and the Navigator

Still no transmitter.

However, today brought at least some information. In my frustration, I launched a search in Europe for the unit. They do, in fact, exist over there, at least in the UK. However, the Abbott rep suggested that shipping one to the US would not be a good idea, because "shipping in the low pressure low temperature environment of an airplane would irreparably damage the unit".

Interesting.

He then went further to suggest that there should be a shipment of these destined for US shores on a ship somewhere. He was rather surprised to hear of the inventory issue in the US though, as it had the largest client base. Seems like Abbott UK is siloed from Abbott Diabetes Care in the US.

I am considering flying out to the UK to pick one up in person. I am also considering a class-action. Anyone interested in that?