AbbVie Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical firm that engages in research-based development, marketing and sales of pharmaceutical products. It was founded in 2011 as a spin-off of Abbott Laboratories, which planned to separate into two publicly traded companies. The new Abbott Laboratories would specialize in diversified products, including medical devices, diagnostic equipment and nutrition products, while AbbVie was slated to operate as a research-based pharmaceutical manufacturer. The separation came into effect on January 1, 2013. AbbVie was listed on the New York Stock Exchange on January 2, 2013. According to company statistics from December 2015, AbbVie Inc. employed more than 28,000 people globally and provided products to individuals in more than 170 countries. According to updated statistics from October 2022, the company now employs over 50,000 globally, reflecting impressive growth in key markets.