ABBV Options Signal Bullish Breakout Potential at $230–$240 as Block Traders Buy Puts at $212.50: Here’s How to Play It

• ABBV trades at $219.29, down 0.36% from $220.08, with intraday support at $218.39 and resistance at $222.49.
• Options data shows heavy call open interest at $230 and $240 (expiring 1/16), while a $650M+ licensing deal and manufacturing acquisition hint at long-term growth.
• A 500-lot block trade bought puts at ABBV20260116P212.5, signaling short-term bearish caution ahead of Friday’s expiry.

The stock is caught between short-term bearish momentum and long-term optimism—here’s how to position for both.The OTM Options Playbook: Calls at $230–$240 vs. Puts at $210–$200

ABBV’s options chain tells a split story. This Friday’s top call open interest piles up at $230 (OI: 6,725) and $240 (OI: 5,768), suggesting aggressive bullish bets on a rebound above the 200D MA ($206.52). Meanwhile, puts at $210 (OI: 4,493) and $200 (OI: 3,804) show hedgers bracing for a drop below the 30D support ($220.08–$220.35). The put/call ratio of 0.876 (calls dominate) leans toward a bullish bias, but the block trade at ABBV20260116P212.5—$62.5K spent on 500 puts—hints at a short-term target near $212.50. Think of it like a tug-of-war: bulls are stacking chips on the $230–$240 range, while bears are setting tripwires at $210–$200.

News Flow: Long-Term Catalysts vs. Short-Term Technicals

AbbVie’s recent headlines are a mixed bag. The $650M upfront payment for RemeGen’s RC148 bispecific antibody and the $112.5M manufacturing acquisition in Arizona are clear long-term tailwinds. These moves signal a strategic push into oncology and U.S. manufacturing, which could drive growth in 2026. But the stock’s 3.2% monthly drop (despite strong Skyrizi/Rinvoq sales) and MACD histogram (-0.565) suggest near-term profit-taking. The key question: Will the market prioritize the $4.95B milestone potential in the RC148 deal, or will short-term technicals (like the 30D MA at $226.34) keep ABBV range-bound until earnings on Feb 4?

Actionable Trade Ideas: Calls for Breakouts, Puts for Protection

For options traders, the most compelling setup is ABBV20260116C230 (this Friday’s $230 call). If ABBV breaks above $222.49 (intraday high) and holds the 200D MA, this strike could see a 20%+ move. For a longer play, ABBV20260123C225 (next Friday’s $225 call) offers a cheaper premium if the stock consolidates near $218.39–$220.08. On the downside, a put spread at ABBV20260116P210 and ABBV20260116P200 could lock in risk if the block trade at $212.50 triggers a cascade. For stock buyers, consider entry near $218.39 (intraday low) with a stop-loss below $217.50. Targets: $220.08 (30D support) and $222.49 (intraday high).

Volatility on the Horizon: Balancing Bullish and Bearish Forces

ABBV’s path hinges on two factors: whether the $230–$240 call buyers can push the stock above the 200D MA, and if the block trade at $212.50 becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The RSI at 47.08 and Bollinger Bands (lower band at $219.10) suggest a potential bounce near current levels. But don’t ignore the puts: a breakdown below $210 could trigger a deeper correction. The coming days will test whether the market sees ABBV as a rebound candidate or a short-term consolidation play. Either way, the options data gives you a seat at the table—just pick your side before Friday’s expiry.