Forecast

A report predicting that Humira will become the world's biggest product in two years' time generated positive news for the Abbott Labs arthritis drug. Several factors are driving the bullish forecast.

Global sales of pharmaceuticals will grow at a rate of 5%-8% annually over the next five years, IMS Health forecasts -- even as products with sales of more than $142 billion lose patent protection in top markets, reducing drug spending by $80-$100 billion.

The global market for pharmaceuticals is expected to grow by 4%-6% in 2010 - exceeding $825 billion - due in part to near-term growth in the US, according to an IMS Health forecast.