AbbVie reports 2Q sales of $4.93B, up 5%

AbbVie Inc.’s sales rose 5 percent in the second quarter on strong gains for its top drug, Humira.

The North Chicago-based drugmaker on Friday reported sales of $4.93 billion in the three months ended June 30, up from $4.69 billion a year earlier. Sales of Humira, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, increased 26 percent to $3.29 billion.

AbbVie’s net income was $1.1 billion in the second quarter compared with $1.07 billion a year earlier. The company reported earnings per share of 82 cents, excluding charges, in both quarters.

“This was another very strong quarter for AbbVie, as we delivered sales and earnings per share above our original guidance and announced plans to merge with Shire, a strategic action that will further enhance our long-term growth prospects,” chariman and chief executive Richard A. Gonzalez said in a news release.

“We continue to expect positive trends for the second half of the year, as well as additional progress from our pipeline, including the expected U.S. approval of our interferon-free HCV combination.”

The company last week announced a $55 billion deal to acquire Shire Plc., a specialty drugmaker, to expand its offerings and to move its headquarters to Britain to slash its tax rate.

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