Top 20 Best-selling Drugs Globally in 2025
Learn about the projected top 20 best-selling drugs Globally in 2025, including their total sales, FDA approval dates, indications, and approximate prices.
As of February 2025, the pharmaceutical industry has seen significant shifts in the sales rankings of top-selling medications. Below a table detailing the projected top 20 best-selling drugs worldwide for the year 2025, along with their primary indications and expected revenue:
| Rank | Drug Name | Active Ingredient(s) | Primary Indication(s) | Expected Revenue (in billion USD) |
| 1 | Keytruda | Pembrolizumab | Various cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancers | $31.0 |
| 2 | Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular risk reduction | $21.0 |
| 3 | Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes mellitus | $19.0 |
| 4 | Dupixent | Dupilumab | Atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, eosinophilic esophagitis, prurigo nodularis | $17.0 |
| 5 | Wegovy | Semaglutide | Chronic weight management (obesity/overweight) | $14.3 |
| 6 | Comirnaty | COVID-19 Vaccine | Prevention of COVID-19 infection. | $13.5 |
| 7 | Biktarvy | Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir alafenamide | HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 25 kg | $13.4 |
| 8 | Skyrizi | Risankizumab | Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease | $13.0 |
| 9 | Eliquis | Apixaban | Atrial fibrillation (stroke prevention), treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, postoperative thromboprophylaxis (hip/knee replacement) | $13.0 |
| 10 | Darzalex | Daratumumab | Multiple myeloma | $13.0 |
| 11 | Opdivo | Nivolumab | Various cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, urothelial carcinoma | $12.0 |
| 12 | Imbruvica | Ibrutinib | B-cell blood cancers including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, chronic graft-versus-host disease | $11.9 |
| 13 | Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Chronic weight management (obesity/overweight), obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity | $11.0 |
| 14 | Humira | Adalimumab | Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis | $11.0 |
| 15 | Stelara | Ustekinumab | Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis | $10.85 |
| 16 | Gardasil | Human Papillomavirus Vaccine | Prevention of diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, genital warts, and precancerous or dysplastic lesions | $10.0 |
| 17 | Eylea | Aflibercept | Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion | $9.38 |
| 18 | Trikafta | Elexacaftor, Tezacaftor, Ivacaftor | Cystic fibrosis in patients with certain mutations | $8.94 |
| 19 | Ocrevus | Ocrelizumab | Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, primary progressive multiple sclerosis | $7.58 |
| 20 | Trulicity | Dulaglutide | Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes | $7.13 |
Note: The expected revenue figures are projections for the year 2025 and are subject to change based on market dynamics and emerging data.
In 2025, the global pharmaceutical market is dominated by several high-performing drugs. Leading the list is Merck’s Keytruda, an immunotherapy for various cancers, with projected sales exceeding $30 billion. Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, primarily for type 2 diabetes, is expected to generate around $21 billion, while Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, also targeting type 2 diabetes, anticipates $19 billion in sales.
As of February 2025, the pharmaceutical industry has seen significant shifts in the sales rankings of top-selling medications. Below is a detailed overview of selected leading drugs, including their total sales, manufacturing companies, FDA approval dates, primary indications, and approximate list prices:
Listed Top 20 Best-selling Drugs Globally
1. Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) the top one best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to exceed $31 billion in 2025.
Company: Merck & Co.
FDA Approval Date: September 4, 2014.
Indications: Approved for various cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and urothelial carcinoma.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $150,000 per year, though prices may vary based on dosage and treatment duration.
2. Ozempic (Semaglutide) the top second best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $21 billion in 2025.
Company: Novo Nordisk.
FDA Approval Date: December 5, 2017.
Indications: Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes.
Cost/List Price: In the United States, the list price is approximately $936 for a one-month supply.
3. Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) the top third best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $19 billion in 2025.
Company: Eli Lilly and Company.
FDA Approval Date: May 13, 2022.
Indications: Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $974 for a four-week supply.
4. Dupixent (Dupilumab) the top forth position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Expected to generate over $17 billion in 2025.
Company: Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
FDA Approval Date: March 28, 2017.
Indications: Asthma, chronic rhino sinusitis with nasal polyposis, Atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis and eosinophilic esophagitis.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $37,000 annually, though this can vary based on dosage and indication.
5. Wegovy (Semaglutide) the top fifth position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $14.3 billion in 2025.
Company: Novo Nordisk.
FDA Approval Date: Wegovy received its initial FDA approval on June 4, 2021, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
On March 8, 2024, the FDA expanded its indication to include reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.
Indications: Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $1,349 per month.
6. Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine) the top sixth position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $13.5 billion in 2025.
FDA Approval Date: August 23, 2021.
Indications: Prevention of COVID-19 infection.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $10 per dose, though prices may vary based on procurement agreements and regional pricing.
7. Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) the top seventh position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Expected to generate $13.4 billion in 2025.
Company: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
FDA Approval Date: Biktarvy received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 7, 2018.
Indications: Biktarvy is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg. It is suitable for individuals with no prior antiretroviral treatment history or to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in those who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) without any history of treatment failure and no known resistance to the components of Biktarvy.
Cost/List Price: The list price of Biktarvy is approximately $4,411 (30 tablet) per month. Actual patient costs may vary based on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and eligibility for financial assistance programs.
8. Skyrizi (Risankizumab) the top eighth position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Expected to generate $13 billion in 2025.
Company: AbbVie.
FDA Approval Date: April 23, 2019.
Indications: Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $59,000 annually.
9. Eliquis (Apixaban) the top ninth position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $13 billion in 2024.
Company: Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer.
FDA Approval Date: December 28, 2012.
Indications: Atrial fibrillation (stroke prevention), deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism treatment and prevention, and postoperative thromboprophylaxis after hip or knee replacement.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $529 for a 30-day supply.
10. Darzalex (Daratumumab) the top tenth position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Expected to surpass $13 billion in 2024.
Company: Johnson & Johnson.
FDA Approval Date: November 16, 2015.
Indications: Multiple myeloma.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $16,000 per infusion, with total annual costs varying based on treatment regimen.
11. Opdivo (Nivolumab) the top 11th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $12 billion in 2025.
Company: Bristol-Myers Squibb.
FDA Approval Date: December 22, 2014.
Indications: Approved for various cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, urothelial carcinoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal carcinoma, and gastric cancer.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $165,000 annually, though prices may vary based on treatment regimen and duration.
12. Imbruvica (Ibrutinib) the top 12th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $11.9 billion in 2025.
Company: AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson.
FDA Approval Date: November 13, 2013.
Indications: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, chronic graft-versus-host disease.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $14,000 per month, though prices may vary based on dosage and treatment duration.
13. Zepbound (Tirzepatide) the top 13th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $11 billion in 2025.
Company: Eli Lilly and Company.
FDA Approval Date: November 2023.
Indications: Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight; obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $1,000 per month, though prices may vary based on dosage and treatment duration.
14. Humira (Adalimumab) the top 14th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $11 billion in 2025.
Company: AbbVie.
FDA Approval Date: December 31, 2002.
Indications: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, uveitis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $7,299 for a two-dose package, with dosing frequency varying by indication.
15. Stelara (Ustekinumab) the top 15th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $10.85 billion in 2025.
Company: Johnson & Johnson.
FDA Approval Date: September 25, 2009.
Indications: Psoriatic arthritis, Plaque psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,
Cost/List Price: Approximately $25,000 annually, though prices may vary based on dosing schedule and indication.
16. Gardasil (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine) the top 16th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $10 billion in 2024.
Company: Merck & Co.
FDA Approval Date: June 8, 2006.
Indications: Prevention of diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $230 per dose, with a typical series consisting of two or three doses.
17. Eylea (Aflibercept) the top 17th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $9.38 billion in 2025.
Company: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Bayer.
FDA Approval Date: November 18, 2011.
Indications: Treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $1,850 per injection, with dosing frequency varying by indication.
18. Trikafta (Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor) the top 18th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $8.94 billion by 2030.
Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
FDA Approval Date: October 21, 2019.
Indications: Treatment of cystic fibrosis in patients aged 6 years and older with at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $311,000 annually.
19. Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) the top 19th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $7.58 billion in 2025.
Company: Roche.
FDA Approval Date: March 28, 2017.
Indications: Treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and primary progressive MS in adults.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $65,000 annually.
20. Trulicity (Dulaglutide) the top 20th position best-selling drugs
Total Sales: Projected to reach $7.2 billion in 2025.
Company: Eli Lilly and Company.
FDA Approval Date: September 18, 2014.
Indications: Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Cost/List Price: Approximately $886 for a four-week supply.
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As of 2025, the pharmaceutical landscape is witnessing a significant shift, with metabolic and oncology treatments leading global sales. Merck’s Keytruda, an immunotherapy for various cancers, is projected to maintain its position as the top-selling drug, with anticipated sales exceeding $30 billion this year.
Notably, the market for GLP-1 receptor agonists, primarily used for diabetes and weight management, has expanded rapidly. Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, along with Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, are expected to collectively generate over $70 billion in sales in 2025.
This surge in demand for weight-loss medications has also influenced consumer behavior, leading to a significant increase in online pharmacy services. In the UK, for instance, online pharmacies have experienced up to a 300% rise in demand, largely attributed to the popularity of these weight-loss drugs.
In the immunology sector, AbbVie’s newer treatments, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, have shown robust growth, offsetting declines in older products like Humira. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the pharmaceutical industry, driven by innovative therapies addressing prevalent health challenges.
Overall, 2025 marks a transformative period in the pharmaceutical industry, with groundbreaking treatments in oncology, metabolic disorders, and immunology leading global sales and reshaping patient care worldwide.