Abbott reports growth for full-year 2012

Abbott has issued its financial report for the 2012 full-year period, its last as a unified company prior to its January 2013 split into two independent organisations.

During the 12 months, the healthcare firm generated total sales of $39.87 billion (25.35 billion pounds), a 5.5 percent year-on-year operational increase, with the launch of several new products positioning the company well for future growth.

Abbott saw strong upward trends from its emerging market operations and nutrition division, while its pharmaceuticals unit benefited from high demand for drugs such as Humira, which received its ninth indication approval in Europe.

On January 1st 2013, the company completed the launch of AbbVie, thus separating its research-based biopharmaceuticals division into a distinct entity.

Miles White, chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott, said: "Abbott's mix of diversified healthcare businesses and pipeline is favorably aligned with key healthcare and emerging market trends and well positioned to deliver top-tier growth in 2013."

AbbVie has assumed control of brands such as Humira, AndroGel, Lupron, Synagis, Creon and Synthroid, while Abbott will focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition and branded generic pharmaceuticals.