Here is the list of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world measured by sales revenue.
A pharmaceutical company is a business that researches, develops, manufactures, and distributes drugs for use as medications to treat or cure diseases. They play a vital role in healthcare by creating treatments that improve and save lives.
- Johnson & Johnson (J&J). A multinational giant based in the US, J&J develops and sells pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products. They are known for household brands like Band-Aid and Tylenol, but also have a robust pharmaceutical division focusing on areas like oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases.
- Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche). This Swiss company is a leader in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. They focus on areas like oncology, neuroscience, and ophthalmology. Roche is known for developing innovative drugs and treatments like Herceptin for cancer.
- Pfizer. Another US-based company, Pfizer is a major player in both branded and generic drugs. They have been at the forefront of recent developments like the COVID-19 vaccine. Their research areas include internal medicine, oncology, and vaccines.
- Bayer. A German multinational, Bayer has a large pharmaceutical division alongside its crop science and animal health businesses. They focus on areas like cardiology, oncology, and women’s health. Bayer is known for brands like Aspirin and Claritin.
- Novartis. This Swiss pharmaceutical giant is another leader in innovation. They focus on areas like oncology, ophthalmology, and neuroscience. Novartis has developed treatments for various conditions, including blood cancers and multiple sclerosis.
- Merck. An American pharmaceutical company with a long history (often referred to as Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD outside the US). They focus on areas like oncology, infectious diseases, and vaccines. Merck is known for developing drugs like Gardasil for HPV.
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). A British pharmaceutical company with a strong presence worldwide. GSK focuses on areas like respiratory diseases, HIV/AIDS, and vaccines. They’re known for brands like Sensodyne toothpaste and Advair asthma medication.
- Sanofi. This French multinational company is a major player in pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Sanofi focuses on areas like diabetes, oncology, and vaccines. They are known for developing insulin products and vaccines for various diseases.
- AbbVie. An American biopharmaceutical company known for developing innovative treatments, particularly in immunology and oncology. AbbVie is a spin-off from Abbott Laboratories and focuses on specific high-growth areas within pharmaceuticals.
- Abbott Laboratories. Another US-based company, Abbott Laboratories is a diversified healthcare company with a pharmaceutical division alongside its medical devices and diagnostics businesses. They focus on areas like immunology, metabolic diseases, and women’s health. Abbott is known for products like Ensure nutritional drinks and FreeStyle Libre blood glucose monitors.
