August 29, 2024
Dupixent’s Leadership in Immunology
Dupixent remains the leader in immunology medicines this quarter, showcasing a 28% year-over-year growth. This growth is bolstered by several upcoming catalysts, including a potential approval for COPD in the United States expected in September.
AbbVie’s Strong Performers: Rinvoq and Skyrizi
AbbVie's Rinvoq exhibited the highest year-over-year sales growth at 56%. AbbVie has further strengthened its portfolio by submitting applications to the FDA and EMA for a new indication for Rinvoq for the treatment of adult patients with giant cell arteritis.
Skyrizi, also by AbbVie, has expanded its indications, recently receiving FDA approval for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). This makes Skyrizi the first IL-23 specific inhibitor approved for both moderate to severe UC and Crohn's disease. The EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) also issued a positive opinion recommending SKyrizi for moderately to severely active UC. Both FDA and EMA decisions were based on results from two pivotal Phase 3 trials, INSPIRE and COMMAND.
Rinvoq and Skyrizi have allowed AbbVie to maintain strong overall sales in immunology despite Humira’s recent LOE in the US. Despite facing a 30% decline in year-over-year sales due to biosimilars entering the market, Humira continues to generate substantial sales. This suggests that the decline in sales post-LOE for complex biologics may be more gradual than steep.
Johnson & Johnson: Stelara and Tremfya Drive Revenue and Growth
Stelara, a key revenue driver for J&J, brought in approximately $2.9 billion last quarter, surpassing analysts' estimates. However, it faces potential competition from generics with LOEs looming in 2025.
J&J's Tremfya has shown remarkable growth and demonstrated superior endoscopic remission rates in Crohn’s disease compared to Stelara, positioning it as a potential successor to Stelara in key indications.
Xolair: Genentech’s Pioneer in Treating Food Allergies
Xolair, a veteran in immunology originally approved for asthma in 2003, received FDA approval in February 2024 as the first and only medicine for children and adults with one or more food allergies. It's the only FDA-approved antibody designed to target and block IgE. It is the first and only antibody treatment that reduces allergic reactions to more than one type of food after accidental exposure for individuals with food allergies.
