Will AbbVie's Neuroscience Portfolio Continue to Aid Top-line Growth?

Core Insights - AbbVie has developed a strong neuroscience franchise, initially driven by blockbuster drugs like Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar, and has expanded its portfolio with new migraine treatments Qulipta and Ubrelvy, as well as Vyalev for Parkinson's disease [1][2]. Financial Performance - The neuroscience segment contributed over 17% to AbbVie's total sales in the first half of 2025, with revenues growing nearly 21% year over year, primarily due to increased sales of Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar, along with rising uptake of Ubrelvy and Qulipta [2][9]. - The strong performance in the neuroscience segment has helped mitigate the decline in Duodopa sales [2][9]. Product Launches and Acquisitions - AbbVie launched Vyalev in the U.S. earlier this year, and while initial sales have been modest, expectations are for its contribution to total revenues to grow over time [3]. - The company is actively investing in new therapies, including a recent agreement to acquire Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals' lead pipeline drug for approximately $1.2 billion, which targets major depressive disorder (MDD). This follows a $1.4 billion acquisition of Aliada Therapeutics, which added an investigational antibody for Alzheimer's disease (AD) [4][5]. Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the neuroscience space include Biogen and Johnson & Johnson. Biogen is diversifying its offerings due to declining revenues in its multiple sclerosis franchise and has partnered with Eisai to market an FDA-approved treatment for Alzheimer's disease [6]. - Johnson & Johnson has a strong neuroscience portfolio, including the antidepressant nasal spray Spravato and the antipsychotic Invega Sustenna, and recently acquired Intra-Cellular Therapies to enhance its offerings [7]. Valuation and Market Performance - AbbVie shares have outperformed the industry year to date, trading at a premium with a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.59, compared to the industry average of 14.84 and above its five-year mean of 12.82 [8][11]. - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 and 2026 have seen slight increases in the past 30 days [12].