Citi Sees a More Supportive Backdrop Forming for AbbVie (ABBV) and Biopharma

Core Viewpoint - AbbVie Inc. is recognized as one of the 12 best long-term stocks to buy, despite facing some challenges in clinical trials [1]. Group 1: Market Analysis - Citi has adjusted its price target for AbbVie to $230 from $235 while maintaining a Neutral rating, indicating a more supportive backdrop for the biopharma sector in 2026 due to manageable earnings expectations and reduced policy-related risks [2]. - The overall sentiment in the biopharma space suggests that earnings may exceed previous fears, contributing to a more favorable investment environment [2]. Group 2: Clinical Developments - AbbVie and Genmab's blood cancer drug, epcoritamab, did not demonstrate a statistically significant survival benefit in a late-stage study involving 483 patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [3]. - Despite the lack of clear survival benefits, the study revealed positive outcomes, such as a higher number of patients achieving undetectable cancer levels, longer response durations, and improved time before requiring further treatment [4]. - Epcoritamab is already approved in several countries for other lymphoma indications, marketed as Epkinly in the U.S. and Japan, and as Tepkinly in the European Union [5].