The pharmaceutical industry continues to be a major driver of healthcare innovation, with the top companies generating significant revenue through the development of new treatments and medicines. Here’s a detailed look at the global top 20 pharmaceutical companies in 2024, focusing on their financial performance, key products, and market trends.
Here enlisted The Global Top 20 Pharmaceutical Companies
1. Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson reclaimed the top spot in 2024. The company has a diversified portfolio with strong revenue growth from key treatments like Darzalex, a monoclonal antibody that saw a nearly 40% sales increase. Despite some patent expirations, J&J’s robust pipeline and market presence keep it ahead of competitors.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $53.46 billion
Key Products: Stelara (immunosuppressant), Darzalex (multiple myeloma)
Website: https://www.jnj.com/
2. AbbVie
AbbVie remains strong in second place despite facing significant revenue declines from Humira, due to biosimilars entering the US market. However, Skyrizi and Rinvoq have been critical in offsetting losses, showing significant growth in immunology.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $52.73 billion
Key Products: Skyrizi, Rinvoq, Humira
Website: https://www.abbvie.com/
3. Novartis (Switzerland)
Novartis rose through the ranks due to a strong focus on innovative therapies in oncology and immunology, coupled with its strategy of spinning off its generics division, Sandoz.
Origin: Switzerland
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $48.6 billion
Key Products: Cosentyx (immunology), Kisqali (oncology)
Website: https://www.novartis.com/
4. Merck & Co.
Merck’s blockbuster immunotherapy, Keytruda, continues to drive growth, now approved for treating 17 different cancers. It is expected to remain a top-selling drug for the foreseeable future.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $47.4 billion
Key Products: Keytruda (oncology), Gardasil (vaccines)
Website: https://www.merck.com/
5. Roche
Roche remains a major player in oncology and diagnostics, with a focus on personalized medicine. Its flagship drugs continue to dominate in their respective categories.
Origin: Switzerland
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $44.3 billion
Key Products: Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis), Hemlibra (hemophilia)
Website: https://www.roche.com/
6. Pfizer
Pfizer saw a dip in revenues after its pandemic boom, but it continues to be a key player due to its vaccine portfolio and antiviral treatments for COVID-19.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $43.8 billion
Key Products: Comirnaty (COVID-19 vaccine), Paxlovid (COVID-19 antiviral)
Website: https://www.pfizer.com/
7. Bristol Myers Squibb
Although revenues dipped slightly, Bristol Myers remains strong in oncology, with Revlimid and Opdivo playing key roles. Their robust R&D pipeline continues to provide new avenues for growth.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $46.2 billion
Key Products: Revlimid (oncology), Opdivo (immunotherapy)
Website: https://www.bms.com/
8. AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca benefited from its oncology portfolio and COVID-19 vaccine, showing steady growth. Its focus on respiratory and cardiovascular drugs continues to pay off.
Origin: United Kingdom (UK)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $44.4 billion
Key Products: Tagrisso (oncology), Imfinzi (immunotherapy)
Website: https://www.astrazeneca.com/
9. Sanofi
Sanofi’s immunology drug Dupixent has been a major growth driver, helping the company maintain its position in the top 10.
Origin: France
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $40.9 billion
Key Products: Dupixent (immunology), Lantus (diabetes)
Website: https://www.sanofi.com/en
10. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
GSK remains a major player in vaccines, particularly with Shingrix for shingles, which continues to see strong demand globally.
Origin: United Kingdom (UK)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $39.5 billion
Key Products: Shingrix (vaccine), Trelegy (respiratory)
Website: https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/
11. Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is experiencing explosive growth due to its GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss. Ozempic and Wegovy have become household names, especially as they’re used off-label for obesity treatment.
Origin: Denmark
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $33.7 billion
Key Products: Ozempic, Wegovy (both for diabetes and weight loss)
Website: https://www.novonordisk.com/
12. Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly has gained significant momentum with its diabetes and obesity drug Mounjaro, driving major revenue growth.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $31.9 billion
Key Products: Trulicity (diabetes), Mounjaro (weight loss)
Website: https://www.lilly.com/
13. Amgen
Amgen’s biologic portfolio continues to show resilience, particularly in cardiovascular treatments and biosimilars.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $27.3 billion
Key Products: Enbrel (immunology), Repatha (cardiovascular)
Website: https://www.amgen.com/
14. Gilead Sciences
Gilead remains dominant in HIV treatments, while its antiviral Veklury has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $27.0 billion
Key Products: Biktarvy (HIV), Veklury (COVID-19)
Website: https://www.gilead.com/
15. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Regeneron’s Dupixent continues to fuel growth, along with its ophthalmology portfolio, led by Eylea.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $26.5 billion
Key Products: Dupixent (immunology), Eylea (ophthalmology)
Website: https://www.regeneron.com/
16. CSL Limited
CSL specializes in plasma-based therapies and vaccines, making it a global leader in immunology treatments.
Origin: Australia
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $24.0 billion
Key Products: Privigen, Hizentra (immunoglobulins)
Website: https://www.csl.com/
17. Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Vertex remains the leader in cystic fibrosis treatments, with its triple combination therapy, Trikafta, driving revenue growth.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $23.5 billion
Key Products: Trikafta (cystic fibrosis)
Website: https://www.vrtx.com/
18. Moderna
Moderna, propelled by its mRNA technology, continues to ride the success of its COVID-19 vaccine, though it seeks to diversify its portfolio.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $20.0 billion
Key Products: Spikevax (COVID-19 vaccine)
Website: https://www.modernatx.com/
19. Bayer
Bayer focuses on cardiovascular and ophthalmology sectors, but faces challenges from patent expirations.
Origin: Germany
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $19.8 billion
Key Products: Xarelto (cardiovascular), Eylea (ophthalmology)
Website: https://www.bayer.com/en
20. Biogen
Biogen continues to work on Alzheimer’s treatments, although its controversial drug, Aduhelm, has faced scrutiny.
Origin: United States (US)
Ownership: Publicly traded
Revenue: $17.0 billion
Key Products: Tecfidera (multiple sclerosis), Aduhelm (Alzheimer’s)
Website: https://www.biogen.com
In 2024, the global pharmaceutical industry is dominated by companies that consistently drive innovation, fuel medical advancements, and generate significant revenues. These pharmaceutical giants are spread across the globe, with their roots in various regions, reflecting the industry’s global scale. Here is a breakdown of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies, focusing on their ownership, origin, and revenue.
Tags: Global, Rankings, Top Pharma, J&J, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, GSK, Lilly, Pharma
Related Topics:
Abdus Sobhan Salim is professional experienced pharmacist in pharmaceuticals, author and founder of pharmabossbd.com, the first Bangladeshi pharmaceutical blogger since 2019.
