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Humira

(adalimumab)

Humira (adalimumab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting TNF-α. It was the world’s best-selling drug for over a decade, reaching peak sales of $21B+ before US biosimilar launch in 2023.

Immunology$14.4B RevenueDeclining — Biosimilar competition
Years as #1 Drug
10+
Cumulative Revenue
$200B+
US Biosimilars
9+ launched
Patients Treated
1M+ globally

Drug Overview

Generic Name
adalimumab
Company
AbbVie
Mechanism
TNF-α inhibitor
Drug Class
Monoclonal antibody — TNF inhibitor
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Approval Year
2002
Peak Sales Estimate
Historical peak $21.2B (2022)
Patent Expiry
2016 (US biosimilars launched 2023)

How It Works

Humira binds to TNF-α, a central inflammatory mediator, blocking it from activating TNF receptors. This reduces inflammation, immune cell activation, and tissue destruction in autoimmune diseases.

Revenue History ($B)

Annual revenue trajectory

Competitor Revenue Comparison ($B)

Revenue of competing drugs in the same class

Approved Indications

8 indications

Key Indications

All approved therapeutic uses

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriasis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Crohn’s Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Juvenile IA
Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Market Position

Humira maintained monopoly status for over a decade. US biosimilar launch in Jan 2023 began rapid market erosion. AbbVie is transitioning patients to Skyrizi and Rinvoq.

Future Outlook

Revenue expected to decline to $8-10B by 2026 as biosimilar penetration accelerates. AbbVie’s Skyrizi + Rinvoq generated $12B+ in 2023 as successor franchise.

Competitive Landscape

DrugCompanyRevenue
Amjevita (adalimumab-atto)Amgen$1.2B
Hyrimoz (adalimumab)Sandoz/Novartis$0.8B
Stelara (ustekinumab)J&J$9.8B
Skyrizi (risankizumab)AbbVie$7.7B

Approval Timeline

Dec 2002
Rheumatoid arthritis
FDAInitial approval
Jan 2008
Psoriasis
FDAPlaque psoriasis
Feb 2007
Crohn’s disease
FDAModerate-to-severe
Sep 2014
Hidradenitis suppurativa
FDAFirst-in-class

Key Clinical Trials

NCT05127787Completed
Biosimilar switching
Phase 4500 patients
Similar efficacy/safety
NCT03690539Completed
Pediatric Crohn’s
Phase 3200 patients
Positive
Data Sources

Revenue figures from company annual reports (FY2023). Clinical trial data from ClinicalTrials.gov. Competitive intelligence from Evaluate Pharma World Preview 2024 and IQVIA MIDAS. Market analysis by Medifirm Intelledge Global.