AbbVie Stock Soars on Immunology Gains as Humira Sales Plummet

AbbVie has recently captured the industry’s attention with its robust first-quarter performance in 2025, driven by its new immunology drugs. The company reported an 8.4% increase in total revenue, reaching $13.3 billion, highlighting strong growth in its immunology segment, which witnessed a 16.6% revenue rise. This growth was largely propelled by the impressive sales of Skyrizi (risankizumab) and Rinvoq (upadacitinib), which together accounted for over $5.1 billion in sales, cementing their role as the new engines of AbbVie's growth.

Skyrizi, approved in 2019, has positioned itself as a front-runner in treating plaque psoriasis and Crohn's disease, thanks to its unique mechanism targeting the IL-23p19 subunit. This monoclonal antibody offers significant treatment advantages, such as a convenient dosing schedule of once every 12 weeks, greatly enhancing patient compliance and outcomes. Furthermore, it has surpassed competitors like Johnson & Johnson's Stelara in market share after exhibiting superior efficacy in head-to-head trials.

Meanwhile, Rinvoq continues to expand its presence by successfully treating various immune-mediated diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. The drug’s ability to target JAK1 selectively has allowed AbbVie to broaden its therapeutic scope, underscoring the company's strategic foresight in diversifying beyond its flagship drug Humira.

However, this success is juxtaposed with the rapid decline of Humira, AbbVie's former bestselling drug, whose sales plummeted by over 50% due to intense biosimilar competition post-patent expiration. Humira's fall from its peak serves as a crucial reminder of the pharmaceutical industry’s dependence on innovation.

In response, AbbVie has adopted a dual strategy of internal development and external acquisitions to sustain growth and offset the decreasing Humira revenue. The company's preparation, evident in the strategic launch of Skyrizi and Rinvoq, emphasizes the need for continuous innovation to maintain market leadership and avoid reliance on a single product.

The improvements in their financial outlook, with adjusted EPS guidance raised to $12.09-$12.29 for the year, reflect AbbVie's confidence in its diversified portfolio to sustain growth. As the company navigates the challenges presented by increased competition and changing regulatory environments, its ability to replicate its success in other therapeutic areas, such as neuroscience and oncology, will be critical in maintaining its stature in the global pharmaceutical landscape.