Abbott reports Humira sales ‘driving strong results’

Abbott Laboratories has reported “strong” results for the third quarter, citing a 50 per cent increase in global Humira sales.

Humira, an anti-TNF therapy, was originally discovered by Cambridge Antibody Technology and has since become a market leader in treating inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis.

The company also reported that general pharmaceutical sales rose by 17 per cent, adjusting for the amendment of its agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim.

Furthermore, investment in marketing and research and development of new products increased during the quarter, Abbott states.

Miles D White, chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott, remarked: “We are especially pleased with the exceptional performance of our major pharmaceutical brands, including Humira.”

“In addition, our emerging high-growth medical products businesses, including global nutritionals and vascular devices, are making significant contributions to our overall performance,” he added.

Recently, Abbott’s vascular division, which includes the acquisition of the Guidant vascular arm, launched the Xience V drug-eluting stent internationally. Because of the success of the Guidant-designed stent, Abbott has said it is ceasing development into its own ZoMaxx drug-eluting stent.