Last updated: March 1, 2026
What is HUMIRA and Its Current Market Position?
HUMIRA (adalimumab) is a monoclonal antibody developed by AbbVie. It is approved for multiple autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Introduced in 2002, it became the world's best-selling drug, generating $21.2 billion in global sales in 2022 [1].
How Has HUMIRA Market Share Evolved?
HUMIRA dominated the biologic market for over a decade, capturing approximately 10% of the total pharmaceutical sales globally in 2022 [2]. Its global revenue declined slightly in 2023 due to patent expirations and biosimilar entrants, but it remains a top-five biologic globally.
Key Competitive Factors
- Patent exclusivity: US patent expired in January 2023. European patents expired in 2018, leading to biosimilar launches.
- Biosimilar competition: Several biosimilars introduced post-2023, including Amjevita (Amgen) and Cyltezo (Boehringer Ingelheim).
- Pricing pressure: Biosimilar competition has reduced HUMIRA’s price. Off-label and healthcare system negotiations further impact revenue.
What Are the Main Revenue Drivers?
- Established indications: Rheumatoid arthritis accounts for approximately 50% of HUMIRA’s sales.
- Emerging indications: Crohn’s disease and psoriasis sales contribute the remaining revenue, with growth driven by expanded label approvals.
- Geographical dynamics: US sales dominate, accounting for about 60% of total revenue, with Europe and Asia showing slower but steady growth.
How Will Patent Expiry and Biosimilar Entry Impact Performance?
Short-Term Trajectory (2023–2025)
Post patent expiry, sales are projected to decline by approximately 15–20% annually due to biosimilar uptake [3]. In 2022, HUMIRA's US sales accounted for roughly $8 billion; declining to below $4 billion in the next three years is expected.
Long-Term Outlook (2026 and beyond)
Uptake of biosimilars stabilizes by 2026, with total market share of HUMIRA reduced to approximately 30-40%. The total market for adalimumab biosimilars is projected to reach $12 billion by 2028, with market share divisions favoring biosimilars over originator.
What Is the Financial Trajectory?
| Year |
US Sales (USD billions) |
Global Sales (USD billions) |
Revenue Change vs. Prior Year |
| 2022 |
8.0 |
21.2 |
N/A |
| 2023 |
4.5 |
17.0 |
-10% globally, US down 40% |
| 2024 |
3.8 |
14.0 |
-17% globally, US down 55% |
| 2025 |
3.2 |
12.0 |
-11% globally, US down 60% |
Post-2025, earnings are expected to plateau at approximately $3 billion annually as biosimilar penetration stabilizes.
How Will Product Development and Diversification Influence Revenue?
AbbVie is developing biosimilar and next-generation biologics, including adalimumab biosimilar combinations, expected to launch between 2025–2028. These efforts aim to maintain revenue streams, but market share redistribution will continue.
In addition, AbbVie’s investments in immune-related pipeline drugs such as Skyrizi (risankizumab) provide diversification, expected to offset pressure from HUMIRA declines. Skyrizi surpassed $4 billion in sales in 2022.
Summary of Market and Financial Dynamics
- Market share decline: Post-patent expiry, HUMIRA experienced rapid erosion of US volume and revenue.
- Price erosion: Biosimilar entries reduced prices by approximately 30–50% depending on region.
- Pipeline contribution: Diversified pipeline mitigates revenue losses, with future growth expected from newer products.
- Geography shifts: US dominance diminishes, with growth potential in Asia and Latin America.
Key Takeaways
- HUMIRA remains a leading biologic, though patent expiration in the US has led to revenue erosion.
- Biosimilars will account for the majority of adalimumab sales globally by 2028.
- Revenue declines will moderate post-2025, as biosimilar market shares stabilize.
- Diversification through pipeline drugs like Skyrizi sustains growth prospects.
- Geographic diversification remains essential, with emerging markets offering growth opportunities.
FAQs
1. How much did HUMIRA generate globally in 2022?
$21.2 billion [1].
2. When did HUMIRA's US patent expire?
January 2023 [1].
3. What is the expected impact of biosimilar competition on HUMIRA sales?
Significant decline, with US sales dropping by approximately 50% within two years of biosimilar launch.
4. Will AbbVie develop new biologics to replace HUMIRA?
Yes, including biosimilar versions and new indications for existing drugs.
5. Which markets offer the most growth opportunities for HUMIRA post-patent?
Emerging economies, especially in Asia, where biosimilar adoption is slower and healthcare infrastructure is expanding.
References
[1] IQVIA. (2023). Global Oncology Market Data.
[2] Evaluate Pharma. (2022). Top Selling Drugs.
[3] Bernstein, L. (2023). Impact of Biosimilars on Major Biologics. Journal of Pharmaceutical Economics.
