Abbott’s Biosimilar Push Could Help Sustain EPD Growth Momentum

Abbott Laboratories is strengthening its Established Pharmaceuticals Division, or EPD, through a growing focus on biosimilars in emerging markets. The strategy is designed to expand access to advanced medicines while supporting long-term sales growth across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

According to recent market commentary, Abbott’s EPD business posted solid organic growth in the first quarter of 2025, supported by demand in emerging economies and a wider portfolio of affordable, high-quality medicines. The company has also expanded biosimilar partnerships, including earlier agreements with mAbxience and Henlius, to commercialize biologic alternatives in key international markets.

Why Biosimilars Matter for Abbott

Biosimilars are highly similar versions of approved biologic medicines. They can offer patients more affordable treatment choices, especially in countries where access to advanced therapies remains limited. Abbott says its medicines business is focused on emerging markets, where broader access to biologics may improve standards of care.

For Abbott, this creates a strategic opportunity. Instead of building every product from scratch, the company can use licensing and commercialization partnerships. This model may reduce development risk while allowing Abbott to use its strong distribution network, local market knowledge and established physician relationships.

Emerging Markets Remain the Core Growth Engine

Abbott’s EPD unit has a major presence in developing economies, where demand for branded generics and specialty medicines continues to rise. These markets often have growing middle-class populations, higher healthcare spending and expanding insurance coverage.

The company’s biosimilar deals are focused on therapeutic areas such as oncology, women’s health and respiratory disease. Abbott’s 2023 agreement with mAbxience covered several biosimilar molecules for Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with first launches expected from 2025.

Partnerships Expand Abbott’s Portfolio

Abbott has also broadened its biosimilar reach through a collaboration with Henlius. The agreement includes commercialization rights for multiple biologics across dozens of emerging markets, helping Abbott strengthen its position in advanced, affordable medicines.

This broader portfolio may help Abbott compete in one of the faster-growing areas of the pharmaceutical market. Biosimilars are attractive because they can reduce treatment costs while keeping strong quality standards. For patients, that may mean more treatment options. For Abbott, it may mean a larger revenue base and stronger EPD momentum.

Other Abbott Businesses Add Support

While EPD is a key focus, Abbott’s wider business also supports investor confidence. The company continues to benefit from demand for FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring systems, routine diagnostics and medical devices. Recent commentary noted strong CGM growth and improving non-COVID diagnostics demand, although foreign exchange and macroeconomic pressures remain challenges.

Risks to Watch

Abbott still faces pressure from currency movements, higher operating costs and uncertain economic conditions in several regions. Because a large share of revenue comes from outside the United States, foreign exchange swings can affect reported sales.

Regulatory timelines are another factor. Biosimilar launches depend on approvals, registrations and local market readiness. Any delay could slow expected growth. Still, Abbott’s broad international footprint gives it a useful advantage as it works to bring these medicines to more patients.

Outlook

Abbott’s biosimilar push appears well aligned with its EPD strategy. By combining partnerships, emerging-market scale and demand for affordable advanced medicines, the company is positioning EPD for continued growth. Although macro risks remain, biosimilars could become an important long-term driver for Abbott’s pharmaceutical business.

This article is an original rewrite and summary based on publicly available information and market commentary. It is for news and educational purposes only, not financial advice.

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