AbbVie’s Sales Miss Forecast as End to Humira Patent Protection Looms

Stock in AbbVie slipped after the drug company reported a higher profit than expected, while sales fell short.

The revenue shortfall may have reminded investors of a challenge

AbbVie

(ticker: ABBV) faces next year, when patent protection on its blockbuster arthritis drug Humira expires, allowing for competition from generic versions. Humira has achieved annual sales of $20.7 billion.