Jury Deliberates in Case Over Abbott Formula for Preemies

Lawsuit alleges Abbott Laboratories' infant formula led to life-threatening illness in four babies

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:48am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the internal structure of an infant formula can, with a faint glow emanating from the contents, conceptually illustrating the complex composition of specialized preterm formula.An X-ray view exposes the complex formulation of specialized infant formula, raising questions about potential health impacts on vulnerable preterm babies.Chicago Today

A jury is currently deliberating in a Cook County, Illinois case involving allegations that four premature infants developed a serious intestinal disease after being fed an infant formula produced by Abbott Laboratories. The lawsuit claims the formula, which was marketed for use in preterm babies, was a contributing factor in the infants developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening condition.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and efficacy of specialized infant formulas, particularly those targeted at vulnerable preterm infants. NEC is a major cause of death and disability in premature babies, and any potential links between formula composition and this disease are closely scrutinized by parents, healthcare providers, and regulators.

The details

According to court documents, the four infants were born prematurely at Chicago-area hospitals and were fed an Abbott Laboratories formula called Similac Special Care. The lawsuit alleges this formula was a contributing factor in the babies developing NEC, a serious intestinal condition that can lead to life-threatening complications. NEC causes inflammation and tissue death in the intestines, often requiring emergency surgery.

  • The lawsuit was filed in Cook County, Illinois in 2024.
  • The jury began deliberations in the case on April 5, 2026.

The players

Abbott Laboratories

A major American pharmaceutical and medical devices company that produces infant formula, including the Similac brand.

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What they’re saying

“We are confident in the safety and efficacy of our specialized infant formulas and will continue to vigorously defend our products.”

— Spokesperson

What’s next

The jury is expected to reach a verdict in the coming days, which could have significant implications for Abbott Laboratories and the regulation of specialized infant formulas.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for thorough testing and oversight of medical products intended for vulnerable preterm infants, whose health can be profoundly impacted by even minor differences in formula composition.