Ulcerative Colitis Market Set for Robust Growth Across the 7MM from USD 8.4 Billion in 2023
Key Ulcerative Colitis companies in the market include - Arena Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Abivax, Reistone Biopharma, InDex Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Landos Biopharma, NImmune, Merck and Mesoblast, among others.
The Ulcerative Colitis treatment paradigm is undergoing a dynamic evolution, marked by increasing therapeutic interventions by companies such as Arena Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Abivax, Reistone Biopharma, InDex Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Landos Biopharma, NImmune, Merck and Mesoblast, among others.
DelveInsight's " Ulcerative Colitis Market Insight, Epidemiology And Market Forecast - 2034" report delivers comprehensive insights into the ulcerative colitis market dynamics, epidemiological trends, and treatment landscape across the 7MM which include the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan. The ulcerative colitis market size in the 7MM was USD 8.4 billion in 2023, with the United States accounting for the largest share at USD 5.9 billion. This market is poised for significant growth during the forecast period (2024-2034), driven by improved drug uptake, increased disease awareness, and a robust pipeline of innovative therapies.
Download the Ulcerative Colitis market report to understand which factors are driving the Ulcerative Colitis therapeutic market @ Ulcerative Colitis Market Trends
The report also provides a detailed epidemiological analysis and forecasts up to 2034, segmented by Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Ulcerative Colitis, Age-specific Cases of Ulcerative Colitis, Severity-specific Cases of Ulcerative Colitis, and Total Treated Patients of Ulcerative Colitis.
According to the latest epidemiological analysis, the total diagnosed prevalent cases of ulcerative colitis in the 7MM comprised approximately 3 Million in 2023, with projections indicating continued growth through 2034. The United States contributed the largest share, with approximately 47% of the diagnosed prevalent population, while Germany and Japan each accounted for roughly 10% of the total 7MM patient pool. When examining disease severity, approximately 521K mild cases and 860K moderate to severe cases were identified across these markets.
The ulcerative colitis treatment market currently encompasses multiple therapeutic approaches, including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologic therapies, S1P modulators, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Anti-TNF alpha agents remain the recommended first-line treatment option for many patients. Among the currently approved therapies, HUMIRA (AbbVie), REMICADE (Janssen Pharmaceuticals), SIMPONI (Janssen Pharmaceuticals), ENTYVIO (Takeda Pharmaceuticals), XELJANZ (Pfizer), STELARA (Janssen Pharmaceuticals), CAROGRA (EA Pharma/Kissei Pharma), JYSELECA (Gilead Sciences and Galapagos NV), OMVOH (Eli Lilly), SKYRIZI (AbbVie/Boehringer Ingelheim), RINVOQ (AbbVie), and ZEPOSIA (Bristol-Myers Squibb), among others have established strong market positions. By 2034, ENTYVIO is projected to generate the highest revenue in the United States, followed by HUMIRA (AbbVie).
In December 2024, Biocon Biologics and Celltrion received FDA approval for their respective biosimilars to STELARA (Janssen Pharmaceuticals) – YESINTEK (Biocon Biologics) and STEQEYMA (Celltrion) – expanding treatment options for patients with ulcerative colitis. In February 2024, the European Commission granted marketing authorization for VELSIPITY (etrasimod) for patients 16 years and older with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis following its FDA approval in October 2023.
The ulcerative colitis therapeutics market is witnessing significant innovation with several emerging therapies such as, Etrasimod (Arena Pharmaceuticals/Pfizer), ABX464 (Abivax), SHR0302 (Reistone Biopharma), Cobitolimod (InDex Pharmaceuticals), TREMFYA (Janssen Pharmaceuticals), BT-11 (Landos Biopharma/NImmune), PRA023 (Merck), Remestemcel-L (Mesoblast), PF-06651600 (Pfizer) and PF-06700841 (Pfizer) among others.
Know which Ulcerative Colitis drug is expected to capture the largest market share in 7MM by 2034. Visit the Ulcerative Colitis Insights
Recent developments have further enriched the ulcerative colitis market with several regulatory approvals and clinical advancements. In December 2024, Accropeutics Inc. announced FDA clearance for a Phase II trial of its RIPK2 inhibitor, AC-101, for moderate-to-severe Ulcerative Colitis. Additionally, in November 2024, Johnson & Johnson submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application to the FDA for a subcutaneous induction regimen of TREMFYA (guselkumab). In late 2024, AbbVie's SKYRIZI had rapidly outpaced Eli Lilly's OMVOH in the ulcerative colitis market, securing over double the market share just two months post-launch.
In January 2025, the FDA granted investigational new drug (IND) clearance for R-5780 (Rise Therapeutics). This innovative therapy leverages gut-regulated immune pathways to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, offering a novel approach to treating cancers that are refractory or unresponsive to these therapies.
Looking ahead, the ulcerative colitis market is expected to witness significant transformation with the introduction of novel therapeutic classes, including toll-like receptor 9 activators, miR-124 enhancers, and T-cell therapies. While high therapy costs and complications pose challenges, rising awareness, early screening, and advanced treatment strategies are fueling ulcerative colitis treatment market growth.
The ulcerative colitis epidemiology and the market landscape present both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders. As treatment paradigms continue to evolve, focusing on personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes, the ulcerative colitis treatment market is positioned for substantial growth, offering new hope for the millions affected by this chronic inflammatory condition worldwide.
Table of Contents
1.
Key Insights
2.
Report Introduction
3.
Ulcerative Colitis Market Overview at a Glance
4.
Epidemiology and Market Methodology
5.
Ulcerative Colitis Executive Summary
6.
Ulcerative Colitis Market Disease Background and Overview
7.
Ulcerative Colitis Epidemiology and Patient Population
8.
Patient Journey
9.
Ulcerative Colitis Marketed Therapies
10.
Ulcerative Colitis Emerging Drugs
11.
Ulcerative Colitis: The 7MM Analysis
12.
Ulcerative Colitis Market Access and Reimbursement
13.
Ulcerative Colitis KOL Views
14.
Ulcerative Colitis SWOT Analysis
15.
Ulcerative Colitis Unmet Needs
16.
Appendix
17.
DelveInsight Capabilities
18.
Disclaimer
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Ulcerative Colitis Pipeline Insight
Ulcerative Colitis Pipeline Insight provides comprehensive insights about the Ulcerative Colitis pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the Ulcerative Colitis manufacturers, including Oppilan Pharma, Genentech, Teva Branded Pharmaceutical, Boehringer Ingelheim, Sorriso Pharmaceuticals, Reistone Biopharma, Celgene, AnaptysBio, Rise Therapeutics, Merck, AltruBio, AbbVie, Immunic AG, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co, Lmito Therapeutics, Morphic Therapeutic, Oncostellae, and Palatin Technologies, among others.
About DelveInsight
DelveInsight is a leading market research and consulting firm specializing in disease-specific insights and therapeutic market analysis. Their reports integrate real-world data, clinical trial findings, and expert interviews to deliver comprehensive industry intelligence.
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Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Globe and Mail
Vitiligo Therapeutics Market Size in 7MM is expected to grow at a decent CAGR by 2034, estimates DelveInsight
DelveInsight's ' Vitiligo Treatment Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast – 2034 ' report delivers an in-depth understanding of Vitiligo, historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the Vitiligo market trends in the United States, EU4 (Germany, Spain, Italy, and France) and the United Kingdom, and Japan. To know in detail about the Vitiligo market outlook, drug uptake, treatment scenario, and epidemiology trends, click here @ Vitiligo Treatment Market Size Key Takeaways from the Vitiligo Market Report In June 2025, Incyte Corporation announced a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib cream in pediatric participants with non-segmental vitiligo. In June 2025, Pfizer conducted a study to learn about the safety and effects of the study medicine ritlecitinib for the possible treatment of non-segmental vitiligo. Vitiligo causes white patches on your skin when the cells that give your skin color are destroyed. Nonsegmental means that it can affect both sides of the body, such as both knees and both hands. In June 2025, Vyne Therapeutics Inc. organized a Phase 2b Trial Evaluating the Efficacy, Safety & Pharmacokinetics of VYN201 Gel in the Treatment of Non-Segmental Vitiligo. According to the findings, the United States accounted for around 60% of the Vitiligo diagnosed Prevalent Cases in the 7MM in 2023. In EU4 and the UK, Germany contributed the highest patient share of vitiligo, followed by the UK. Whereas Spain contributed to the lowest patient share. As per the estimates, there were 493,000 treated cases of vitiligo in the 7MM in 2023. The leading Vitiligo Companies such as Incyte, AbbVie, Pfizer, Clinuvel, Inc., Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Bioniz Therapeutics, TAGCyx Biotechnologies, Temprian Therapeutics, Aclaris Therapeutics, TWi Biotechnology, Dermavant Sciences, Amgen, Pfizer, Incyte Corporation, and others Promising Vitiligo Pipeline Therapies such as OPZELURA (ruxolitinib cream), RINVOQ (upadacitinib), Ritlecitinib, Afamelanotide, Phimelanotide, BNZ-1, TAGX-0003, TT-01, ATI-1777, AC-1101, Cerdulatinib, AMG 714, Ritlecitinib, Ruxolitinib, and others. Get a Free sample for the Vitiligo Therapeutics Market Report @ Vitiligo Drugs Market Vitiligo Epidemiology Segmentation in the 7MM Vitiligo Prevalence Cases Vitiligo Type-specific Cases Vitiligo Diagnosed Prevalent Cases Vitiligo Treated Cases Download the report to understand which factors are driving Vitiligo epidemiology trends @ Vitiligo Prevalence Vitiligo Marketed Drugs OPZELURA (ruxolitinib cream): Incyte In July 2024, the US FDA approved a groundbreaking treatment for vitiligo, a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder characterized by depigmented white patches on the skin. The newly approved drug, OPZELURA, is a topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor called ruxolitinib. This approval marks a significant milestone, as OPZELURA is the first FDA-approved pharmacologic treatment specifically designed to address repigmentation in vitiligo patients, particularly those with nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common form of the condition. OPZELURA works by targeting JAK1 and JAK2 receptors to decrease interferon gamma signaling by immune cells, thereby halting the destruction of melanocytes responsible for skin color. Vitiligo Emerging Drugs RINVOQ (upadacitinib): Abbvie Upadacitinib (ABT-494) is a JAK1 selective inhibitor being investigated to treat alopecia areata, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial SpA, Crohn's disease, giant cell arteritis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE), Takayasu arteritis, ulcerative colitis, and vitiligo. Currently, the drug is in Phase III for the treatment of vitiligo, for which primary completion date is December 2024. At the 2024 AAD Annual Meeting, late-breaking data showed that upadacitinib demonstrated clinically meaningful repigmentation of extensive vitiligo after 52 weeks, potentially offering a new and effective systemic treatment for non-segmental vitiligo. LITFULO (Ritlecitinib): Pfizer LITFULO (ritlecitinib) is considered a kinase inhibitor, meaning it prevents kinases, which are certain proteins in the immune system, from working properly. This in turn blocks the immune pathways that are thought to contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, resulting in symptom improvements, such as repigmentation or stopping of disease progression in vitiligo. Currently, there is a Phase III Vitiligo Clinical Trial underway with an estimated completion date in June 2025. Depending on the results of that trial, ritlecitinib may be approved for vitiligo treatment. Discover more about therapies set to grab major Vitiligo market share @ Vitiligo Clinical Trials Assessment Vitiligo Treatment Market The Vitiligo Treatment Market Landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, marked by significant advancements anticipated in 2024 and beyond. With the introduction of FDA-approved topical therapies and the emergence of oral JAK inhibitors, dermatology is experiencing remarkable progress in managing this complex condition. These developments signify a promising future for vitiligo patients, reflecting the evolving strategies aimed at enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Key Vitiligo Companies such as AbbVie, Incyte, Pfizer, and others are evaluating their lead candidates in different stages of clinical development, respectively. They aim to investigate their products for the treatment of vitiligo. Vitiligo treatment typically involves a combination approach, incorporating various topical therapies such as steroids, vitamin D analogues, and calcineurin inhibitors. While mono-therapy topicals have shown improvement, the most effective treatment strategy often involves a combination of phototherapy, oral antioxidants, and both oral and topical medications. This multifaceted approach addresses the complex nature of vitiligo and maximizes therapeutic outcomes. Driven by rising awareness and new treatment options, the vitiligo market is poised for steady growth in the coming years. Vitiligo Drugs and Companies OPZELURA (ruxolitinib cream): Incyte RINVOQ (upadacitinib): AbbVie Ritlecitinib: Pfizer Afamelanotide: Clinuvel, Inc. Phimelanotide - Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals BNZ-1: Bioniz Therapeutics TAGX-0003: TAGCyx Biotechnologies TT-01: Temprian Therapeutics ATI-1777: Aclaris Therapeutics AC-1101: TWi Biotechnology Cerdulatinib: Dermavant Sciences AMG 714: Amgen Ritlecitinib: Pfizer Ruxolitinib: Incyte Corporation Vitiligo Market Drivers Increasing awareness Demand for novel therapies Large patient pool and better healthcare infrastructure Vitiligo Market Barriers Patient compliance Chronic nature of the disease and long-term therapy Lack of adequate financial assistance & stringent regulatory procedure Download DelveInsight's latest report to gain strategic insights into upcoming Vitiligo Therapies and key Vitiligo Developments @ Vitiligo Market Drivers and Barriers, and Future Perspectives Scope of the Vitiligo Market Report Coverage- 7MM Study Period- 2020-2034 Vitiligo Companies- Incyte, AbbVie, Pfizer, Clinuvel, Inc., Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Bioniz Therapeutics, TAGCyx Biotechnologies, Temprian Therapeutics, Aclaris Therapeutics, TWi Biotechnology, Dermavant Sciences, Amgen, Pfizer, Incyte Corporation, and others Vitiligo Pipeline Therapies- OPZELURA (ruxolitinib cream), RINVOQ (upadacitinib), Ritlecitinib, Afamelanotide, Phimelanotide, BNZ-1, TAGX-0003, TT-01, ATI-1777, AC-1101, Cerdulatinib, AMG 714, Ritlecitinib, Ruxolitinib, and others. Vitiligo Therapeutic Assessment: Vitiligo current marketed and emerging therapies Vitiligo Market Dynamics: Vitiligo market drivers and Vitiligo market barriers Vitiligo Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, Porter's five forces, BCG Matrix, Market entry strategies Vitiligo Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Vitiligo Market Access and Reimbursement Table of Contents 1 Key Insights 2 Vitiligo Market Report Introduction 3 Vitiligo Executive Summary 4 Key Events 5 Vitiligo Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology 6 Vitiligo Market Overview at a Glance 7 Disease Background and Overview: Vitiligo 8 Vitiligo Treatment and Management 9 Vitiligo Epidemiology and Patient Population in the 7MM 10 Patient Journey 11 Vitiligo Marketed Therapies 12 Vitiligo Emerging Therapies 13 Vitiligo: Seven Major Market Analysis 14 Vitiligo Unmet Needs 15 Vitiligo SWOT Analysis 16 Vitiligo KOL Views 17 Vitiligo Market Access and Reimbursement 18 Appendix 19 DelveInsight Capabilities 20 Disclaimer 21 About DelveInsight About Us DelveInsight is a leading healthcare-focused market research and consulting firm that provides clients with high-quality market intelligence and analysis to support informed business decisions. With a team of experienced industry experts and a deep understanding of the life sciences and healthcare sectors, we offer customized research solutions and insights to clients across the globe. Connect with us to get high-quality, accurate, and real-time intelligence to stay ahead of the growth curve. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Business Research LLP Contact Person: Yash Bhardwaj Email: Send Email Phone: 09650213330 Address: 304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: NV Country: United States Website:
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Globe and Mail
Pfizer vs BMY: Which Oncology Drugmaker Is a Better Choice for Now?
Pharma/biotech giants Pfizer PFE and Bristol Myers BMY boast of a dominant position in the lucrative oncology space. Oncology or cancer is one of the most sought-after areas in the pharma/biotech space. As the world at large continues to grapple with a significant increase in the number of cancer patients, the market for cancer medicines is expected to grow. Pfizer is one of the largest and most successful drugmakers in the field of oncology. Oncology sales comprise around 25% of its total revenues. Oncology is a key therapeutic area of focus for Bristol Myers, which is developing and delivering transformational medicines in this space. Both drugmakers have strong footholds in their respective target markets, delivering consistent returns to shareholders. In such a scenario, choosing one stock over another can be challenging. Let us delve into their fundamentals, potential growth prospects, challenges and valuation levels to make a prudent choice. The Case for Pfizer Pfizer has an innovative oncology product portfolio of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), small molecules, bispecifics and other immunotherapies that treat a wide range of cancers, including certain types of breast cancer, genitourinary cancer and hematologic malignancies, as well as certain types of melanoma, gastrointestinal, gynecological and lung cancer. Approved drugs in the portfolio include Ibrance, Xtandi, Inlyta, Lorbrena, Bosulif, Braftovi, Mektovi, Orgovyx, Elrexfio and Talzenna. Among these, the breast cancer drug Ibrance is one of the top revenue generators. The acquisition of Seagen in December 2023 strengthened PFE's oncology portfolio by adding four ADCs — Adcetris, Padcev, Tukysa and Tivdak. This initiative boosted oncology sales in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Seagen also has some next-generation ADC candidates in its pipeline and their successful development should further strengthen its portfolio. PFE is working on the label expansion of many of its cancer drugs that should boost sales. Pfizer also has oncology biosimilars in its portfolio and markets six of them for cancer. Oncology biosimilars primarily include Retacrit, Ruxience, Zirabev, Trazimera and Nivestym. Pfizer is also advancing a robust pipeline of oncology candidates, with several entering late-stage development. By 2030, it expects to have eight or more blockbuster oncology medicines in its portfolio. Apart from oncology, Pfizer's portfolio has a variety of drugs and vaccines for diseases like COVID-19, inflammation & immunology diseases, rare diseases and migraine, among others. The Case for Bristol Myers BMY is focused on extending and strengthening its leadership in immuno-oncology (IO), as well as diversifying beyond IO. Leading IO drug Opdivo, approved for several cancer indications, drives its oncology franchise along with Yervoy and Opdualag. The FDA recently granted approval to Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy) injection for subcutaneous use. Per BMY, this new subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo should help extend the reach and impact of its immuno-oncology franchise to patients into the next decade. Reblozyl, approved for first-line MDS-associated anemia, continues to drive market share within the larger first-line ring sideroblasts negative population. The CAR-T cell therapy Breyanzi is approved to treat the broadest array of B-cell malignancies. BMY has also been active on the acquisition front to expand its oncology portfolio/pipeline. In 2024, BMY acquired Mirati, a commercial-stage targeted oncology company, obtaining the rights to commercialize lung cancer medicine Krazati and to further develop several clinical assets, including PRMT5 Inhibitor. Krazati, a KRAS inhibitor, is approved for second-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is in clinical development with a PD-1 inhibitor for first-line NSCLC. It is also FDA approved for advanced or metastatic KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer with cetuximab. In addition, PRMT5 Inhibitor is a potential first-in-class MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor, which is advancing to the next stage of development. The acquisition of RayzeBio, a leader in the field of radiopharmaceuticals for solid tumor oncology, provided BMY with RYZ101, a late-stage asset, an investigational new drug engine and in-house manufacturing capabilities. In 2022, BMY acquired Turning Point and added lead asset, repotrectinib, and other clinical and pre-clinical stage assets to its pipeline. Repotrectinib was approved by the FDA in November 2023 and is marketed under the brand name Augtyro. Augtyro, a kinase inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive NSCLC. It is also intended for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with solid tumors that have NTRK gene fusion, are locally advanced or metastatic or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity, and have progressed following treatment or have no satisfactory alternative therapy. Bristol Myers is also focused on developing drugs with presence in hematology, immunology, cardiovascular, neuroscience and other therapeutic areas. A Look at Estimates: PFE vs BMY The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PFE's 2025 sales implies a year-over-year decrease of 0.6%, and that for earnings per share (EPS) suggests a year-over-year decline of 1.61%. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have moved north in the past 60 days. PFE's Estimate Movement The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BMY's 2025 sales implies a year-over-year decrease of 4.13% while that for EPS suggests an increase of 487.83%. The extraordinary EPS growth rate is attributed to an extremely low EPS figure in 2024 due to acquisition expenses. EPS estimates for both 2025 and 2026 have moved south in the past 60 days. BMY's Estimate Movement Price Performance and Valuation of PFE and BMY From a price-performance perspective, PFE has performed better than BMY so far this year. Shares of PFE have declined 6.8%, while those of BMY have lost 15.4%. The large-cap pharma industry has declined 0.3% in the said period. From a valuation standpoint, we use the P/E ratio of the large-cap pharma industry to compare these companies. Going by the same, PFE is slightly more expensive than BMY. PFE's shares currently trade at 7.77X forward earnings, higher than 7.22 for BMY. PFE and BMY's attractive dividend yield is a strong positive for investors. However, PFE's dividend yield of 7.2% is higher than BMY's 5.29%. Which Stock Is a Better Pick for Now? Large pharma/biotech companies are generally considered safe havens for investors interested in this sector. However, with both PFE and BMY stocks currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), choosing one over the other is a complex task. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. PFE has a strong and diverse portfolio but faces challenges like declining sales of its COVID-19 products and U.S. Medicare Part D headwinds in 2025. Several of its key products face patent expirations. Nonetheless, drugs like Vyndaqel, Padcev and Eliquis, and newly acquired products should continue to drive top-line growth. BMY's efforts to revive the top line in the face of generic challenges for key drugs are commendable. However, we believe there is still time before the efforts reap harvest for the company. The outlook for 2025 indicates challenges as of now. Hence, PFE is a better pick at present (despite its slightly pricey valuation), primarily due to the diversity of its portfolio and higher dividend yield compared to BMY. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY): Free Stock Analysis Report Pfizer Inc. (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Globe and Mail
LLY vs. ABBV: Which Pharma Powerhouse is the Better Bet?
Eli Lilly LLY and AbbVie ABBV are U.S.-based pharmaceutical powerhouses with blockbuster drug portfolios, robust pipelines, strong market capitalization and global footprint. Both companies have a strong presence in immunology, oncology and neuroscience areas. Other than that, AbbVie also has products for aesthetics and eye care, while Lilly boasts a leading presence in cardiometabolic health. While AbbVie has seen tremendous success with its immunology drugs, Lilly's GLP-1 drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, under its cardiometabolic health business, are the key to its success story. Both stocks are being seen as defensive pharma plays amid tariff and pricing uncertainties. But which one is a better investment option today? Let's take a closer look at their fundamentals, growth prospects and challenges to make an informed choice. The Case for Lilly Lilly has a strong portfolio of medicines to treat diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases, and its cardiometabolic business is its most successful business, particularly with the success of its popular tirzepatide medicines, diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight loss medicine, Zepbound. Despite being on the market for less than three years, GLP-1 medicines, Mounjaro and Zepbound, became key top-line drivers for Lilly, with demand rising rapidly. Mounjaro and Zepbound account for around 50% of the company's total revenues. Though sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound were below expectations in the second half of 2024, hurt by slower-than-expected growth and unfavorable channel dynamics, their sales picked up in the first quarter of 2025, driven by launches of the drugs in new international markets and improved supply from ramped-up production. We believe that increased uptake in outside U.S. markets and deeper penetration in the U.S. market will continue to drive Mounjaro and Zepbound's growth in future quarters. Approvals for new indications can also drive sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound higher. Other than Mounjaro and Zepbound, Lilly has gained approvals for some other new drugs in the past couple of years across different therapeutic areas like Omvoh, Jaypirca, Ebglyss and Kisunla (donanemab). Lilly expects its new drugs, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Omvoh, Jaypirca, Ebglyss and Kisunla, along with the expanded use of existing drugs, to drive sales growth in 2025. Lilly is also making rapid pipeline progress in obesity, diabetes and cancer, with several key mid and late-stage data-readouts expected this year. Lilly is investing broadly in obesity and has several next-gen candidates currently in clinical development. Lilly has its share of problems. Prices of most of Lilly's products are declining in the United States. In 2025, Lilly expects a mid-to-high single-digit percentage price decline, including U.S. Part D changes. Potential competition in the GLP-1 diabetes/obesity market is another headwind. Mounjaro and Zepbound face strong competition from Novo Nordisk 's NVO semaglutide medicines, Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity. Novo Nordisk has already filed an application for an oral version of Wegovy and also has several next-generation candidates in its obesity pipeline, like CagriSema and amycretin. CVS Caremark, a major pharmacy benefit manager ('PBM'), has signed a partnership with NVO to make Wegovy its preferred GLP-1 therapy for weight loss, effective July 1. Hims & Hers Health also signed a distribution partnership with NVO in April to offer Wegovy at a discounted price to its platform users. It remains to be seen if NVO's deals affect Zepbound's market share going forward. The Case for AbbVie AbbVie has successfully navigated the loss of exclusivity ('LOE') of its blockbuster drug, Humira, which once generated more than 50% of its total revenues. It has accomplished this by launching two other successful new immunology medicines, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which are performing extremely well, bolstered by approvals in new indications and should support top-line growth in the next few years. Skyrizi and Rinvoq generated combined sales of $5.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting growth of more than 65%. The drugs are seeing strong performance across all their approved indications. AbbVie expects combined sales of Skyrizi and Rinvoq to be around $24.7 billion in 2025 and more than $31 billion by 2027. The company's oncology strategy is also gaining traction, supported by increasing contributions from newer products, Elahere and Epkinly. In May, the FDA approved its antibody-drug-conjugate, Emreli (Teliso-V), for treating advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) AbbVie has several early/mid-stage pipeline candidates with blockbuster potential. The company expects several regulatory submissions, approvals and key data readouts in the next 12 months. The company has been on an acquisition spree in the past couple of years, which is strengthening its pipeline. It has signed several M&A deals in the immunology space, its core area, while also signing some early-stage deals in oncology and neuroscience areas. It has also forayed into the lucrative obesity space through a licensing deal with Denmark-based Gubra for the latter's experimental long-acting amylin analog for obesity. However, the company faces some near-term headwinds like Humira's biosimilar erosion, increasing competitive pressure on cancer drug Imbruvica and declining sales of Juvederm fillers in the United States and China due to challenging market conditions. How Do Estimates Compare for LLY & ABBV? The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LLY's 2025 sales and EPS implies a year-over-year increase of 33.03% and 68.9%, respectively. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have declined over the past 60 days. LLY Estimate Movement The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AbbVie's 2025 sales and EPS implies a year-over-year increase of 6.6% and 21.3%, respectively. The EPS estimate for 2025 has risen from $12.26 per share to $12.28 per share over the past 60 days, while that for 2026 has risen from $13.96 per share to $14.06 per share over the same timeframe. ABBV Estimate Movement Price Performance and Valuation of LLY & ABBV Year to date, while LLY's stock has risen 2.1%, AbbVie's stock has risen 6.4%. The industry has declined 0.2% in the said time frame. AbbVie looks more attractive than Lilly from a valuation standpoint. Going by the price/earnings ratio, Lilly's shares currently trade at 30.03 forward earnings, significantly higher than 14.98 for the industry. However, LLY currently trades lower than its 5-year mean of 34.54. AbbVie's shares currently trade at 14.15 forward earnings, lower than the industry. However, ABBV trades above the stock's 5-year mean of 12.40. AbbVie's dividend yield is 3.5%, while Lilly's is around 0.8%. LLY or ABBV: Which is a Better Pick? AbbVie & Lilly have a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each, which makes choosing one stock a difficult task. Lilly is a good stock to have in one's portfolio, considering its diversified product and pipeline portfolio and robust growth prospects despite its expensive valuation. Lilly's tremendous success with Mounjaro and Zepbound has made it the largest drugmaker with a market cap of more than $750 billion, and its stock price has crossed $800 per share. In 2025, Lilly expects to record revenues in the range of $58.0 billion to $61.0 billion, indicating an impressive 32% year-over-year growth. On the other hand, AbbVie has faced its biggest challenge — Humira's patent cliff — quite well and looks well-positioned for continued strong growth in the years ahead. AbbVie expects to return to robust revenue growth in 2025, which is just the second year following the U.S. Humira LOE, driven by its ex-Humira platform. Boosted by its new product launches, AbbVie expects to return to robust mid-single-digit revenue growth in 2025 with a high single-digit CAGR through 2029, as it has no significant LOE event for the rest of this decade. A substantial portion of this growth is expected to be driven by robust performances from Skyrizi and Rinvoq. Overall, considering Lilly's several near-term challenges, AbbVie looks like a safer bet for short-term investors, given its price appreciation, rising estimates, cheaper valuation, stronger dividends, and solid near-term gains. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO): Free Stock Analysis Report Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report AbbVie Inc. (ABBV): Free Stock Analysis Report
