Humira boosts Abbott’s results

Abbott Laboratories’ second-quarter profit rose 34% as its top-selling product, anti-inflammatory medicine Humira, was approved for new uses.

Net income jumped to $1.32 billion, or 85 cents a share, from $988.7 million, or 63 cents, a year earlier, the Abbott Park, Ill., company said.

Earnings adjusted for items that include the end of a joint venture beat analysts’ estimates, and Abbott raised its 2008 profit forecast.

Revenue increased 15% to $7.31 billion, also beating analysts’ estimates.

Abbott shares fell 88 cents, or 1.5%, to $56.97.