AbbVie is successfully navigating the post-Humira landscape with its newer immunology drugs showing strong market performance, according to executives speaking at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2025 in San Francisco.
The company's transition strategy appears to be working effectively, despite Humira experiencing a 32% decline in sales following biosimilar entry in 2023. CEO Rob Michael revealed that only about 20% of patients have switched to Humira biosimilars, with physicians predominantly moving patients to AbbVie's newer immunology assets, Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Rinvoq (upadacitinib).
Strong Performance in Immunology
In 2024, Skyrizi and Rinvoq generated approximately $5 billion in growth, securing roughly 50% of the market share in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) indications, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Skyrizi, an interleukin-23 (IL-23)-inhibiting monoclonal antibody, and Rinvoq, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, have become cornerstone therapies in AbbVie's immunology portfolio.
The company is actively exploring combination therapy opportunities, with particular interest in TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A) therapies used in conjunction with Skyrizi, which could potentially establish a new standard of care in IBD treatment.
Pipeline Developments and Strategic Moves
AbbVie's pipeline shows both challenges and opportunities. The company recently faced setbacks with emraclidine in schizophrenia, acquired through its $9 billion Cerevel acquisition. Phase II studies EMPOWER-1 and EMPOWER-2 failed to meet their primary endpoints, though further analysis revealed potential signals masked by strong placebo effects at certain trial sites.
On a more positive note, tavapadon demonstrated promising results in Parkinson's disease, meeting its primary endpoint in the Phase III TEMPO-1 trial. The drug showed statistically significant improvements in the MDS-UPDRS Parts II and III combined score at week 26, positioning it as a potential growth driver for the coming decade.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Direction
The company continues to strengthen its portfolio through strategic partnerships. A recent option-to-license agreement with Simcere Zaiming for SIM0500 could be worth up to $1.055 billion in various payments and milestones. Additionally, AbbVie has expanded its collaboration with AbCellera to include T-cell engagers development for oncology applications.
These developments reflect AbbVie's comprehensive strategy to maintain its leadership in immunology while diversifying into other therapeutic areas, ensuring sustained growth beyond the Humira era.
