Every day, Abbott scientists are working to help keep people healthier. They've dedicated their careers to solving mysteries and tackling healthcare challenges. They're focused on making a broader impact.

Abbott's Similac Pro-Advance and Similac Pro-Sensitive is a story of triumph and perseverance. Backed by more than 15 years of clinical and preclinical scientific research, Abbott is the first company in the world to bring the immune-nourishing benefits of breast milk to formula-fed babies – representing one of the biggest breakthroughs in infant formula in decades. Recognized recently as a top innovation in 2017 by the Chicago Innovation Awards, this novel formula features a special prebiotic called 2'-FL HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharides*) that was previously only available in breast milk.

Launched in 2016, Similac Pro-Advance and Similac Pro-Sensitive were the first infant formulas in the U.S. and Mexico to offer the unique immune-nourishing and infection-reducing benefits of 2’-FL HMO.

We're proud to receive the Chicago Innovation Award, which recognizes the top businesses, nonprofits and government organizations that develop the year’s most innovative new products and services. More than 530 companies were nominated for the awards this year.

But, we're even more excited to offer this pioneering formulation to help formula-fed babies get the very best start in life. While nothing can replace milk from a mother, making baby formulas available that perform more like breast milk is a desire shared by new parents and Abbott. By adding 2'-FL HMO to Similac, we’ve come closer to narrowing the gap.

Want to learn more about 2'FL HMO? Click here.

Curious about Abbott's ongoing study of the microbiome as it relates to immunology and gut health? Read more here.

* not from human milk

This story was originally published on Nov. 2, 2017. It was updated on Aug. 3, 2021.