The best-selling drug of all time is Humira, an arthritis drug manufactured by AbbVie.
Humira's Unprecedented Success
AbbVie's Humira (adalimumab) has achieved remarkable success, becoming the highest-grossing pharmaceutical product in history. Its long-standing market presence and broad application across various autoimmune conditions have propelled its sales to unprecedented levels.
- Total Sales: Humira has generated approximately $230 billion in sales to date, solidifying its position as the top-selling drug of all time.
- Key Indications: Originally approved for rheumatoid arthritis, Humira's indications expanded to include a wide range of autoimmune diseases such as:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Plaque psoriasis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Uveitis
- Mechanism of Action: Humira is a biologic drug that works by blocking Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein in the body that can cause inflammation. By inhibiting TNF-alpha, Humira helps reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in patients with autoimmune conditions.
Top-Selling Pharmaceuticals: A Glimpse
While Humira holds the all-time record, other drugs consistently achieve high annual revenues, reflecting the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical market.
Leading Drug Sales (Examples)
| Drug Name | Company | Primary Indication | Total Sales (All-Time) | Recent Annual Sales (e.g., 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humira | AbbVie | Arthritis, Autoimmune | ~$230 billion | N/A (Peaked, now facing biosimilar competition) |
| Keytruda | Merck | Cancer | N/A | ~$24 billion (2023) |
- Keytruda (Pembrolizumab): Merck's Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug, has emerged as a leading medicine in recent years, with revenues around $24 billion in 2023. While not yet challenging Humira's all-time record, its rapid growth in the oncology market highlights the significant impact of innovative cancer treatments.
The longevity and wide applicability of Humira have been key factors in its unparalleled sales performance, setting a benchmark for future pharmaceutical blockbusters.
