AbbVie Inc. is navigating a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities as it prepares to announce its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results. Despite recent setbacks in its neuroscience pipeline, the pharmaceutical giant's core immunology business shows promising growth trajectories.
Emraclidine Setback and Financial Impact
The company recently faced a significant challenge with the failure of emraclidine in two Phase 2 trials, leading to a substantial $3.5 billion impairment charge. However, the company maintains optimism about the drug's potential as an adjunctive treatment, citing its favorable tolerability profile. Wall Street analysts have responded pragmatically, removing emraclidine revenue from their forecasts while remaining open to potential future developments.
Strong Immunology Performance
AbbVie's management of Humira's loss of exclusivity (LOE) in 2023 demonstrates the company's strategic capabilities. Despite experiencing a 10% decline in 2023, the immunology franchise is showing remarkable resilience. Projections indicate:
- 2% overall growth in 2024 with stable U.S. performance
- Acceleration to 7% growth in 2025
- Double-digit expansion of 10-11% expected in 2026 and 2027
Growth Drivers and Future Prospects
Key immunology products Skyrizi and Rinvoq are positioned as primary growth drivers. Goldman Sachs analyst Chris Shibutani has increased Skyrizi forecasts by 1.4% and 3.1% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, driven by strong performance in inflammatory bowel diseases. Rinvoq forecasts have also been adjusted upward by 0.4% for both years.
Pipeline Development
The company's pipeline continues to expand, with particular attention on Rinvoq's Phase 3 trials for additional indications, including:
- Alopecia areata
- Vitiligo
Results from these trials, expected in 2025, will be crucial in determining long-term growth projections.
Market Outlook
Goldman Sachs maintains a positive stance on AbbVie's prospects, upgrading their price forecast from $205 to $208 with a Buy rating. This confidence stems from the strong performance of key immunology products and the company's effective management of portfolio transitions. Wall Street anticipates adjusted EPS of $2.10 and quarterly sales of $14.83 billion for the upcoming financial results.
