The pharmaceutical industry, valued at an astonishing US$1.48 trillion in 2022, has continued its rapid growth despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the dynamic landscape of drug development and market trends, pharmaceutical companies have showcased resilience, with new medications constantly entering the market and driving industry expansion.
2022 Pharmaceutical Market Highlights
In 2022, the pharmaceutical landscape witnessed the approval of 37 new molecular entities, a slight decrease from the previous year due to more stringent approval criteria. However, non-NME and biosimilar approvals experienced an upward trend. The industry also saw the expiration of key drug patents, leading to significant shifts, including the entry of generic or biosimilar competitors for blockbuster drugs in the largest global pharmaceutical market, the United States.
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been gradually reshaping the industry, but 2023 has been relatively subdued in terms of M&A activity compared to earlier projections.
Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in 2023
1. Pfizer (US$100.33, +19%)
Pfizer, an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation, secured the top spot in 2023 with a record-breaking revenue of US$100.33 billion. The company’s focus on innovative biopharmaceuticals, including the groundbreaking Covid-19 vaccine Comirnaty, has propelled its success. Pfizer’s commitment to R&D and strategic acquisitions positions it for continued growth.
2. AbbVie (US$58.05, +3%)
AbbVie, formed in 2013 through a separation from Abbott, secured the second position with sales totaling US$58.05 billion. The company’s Immunology and Neuroscience portfolios were key drivers of its 3% revenue increase. Despite the loss of market exclusivity for Humira, AbbVie aims for continued growth with promising products like Skyrizi and Rinvoq.
3. Johnson & Johnson (US$52.6, +2%)
Johnson & Johnson, a diversified healthcare company, maintains its third position in 2023 with pharmaceutical sales rising by 2%. Key performers include Darzalex, Stelara, Tremfya, Erleada, Invega sustenna/xeplio, and Invega trinza/trevicta. The company anticipates near-term growth and strategic investments for long-term value.
4. Merck & Co (US$52.01, +7%)
Merck & Co moved from seventh to fourth place in 2023 with a revenue of US$52.01 billion. Keytruda, a blockbuster cancer immunotherapy, contributed significantly to the company’s success. Merck’s diverse portfolio and strategic acquisitions position it for sustained innovation and growth.
5. Novartis (US$50.54, -2%)
Swiss multinational Novartis secured the fifth position, with full-year revenues slightly decreasing by 2% but showing a 4% increase at constant currencies. Novartis underwent significant transformations in 2022, streamlining its operations to enhance innovation capabilities and become one of the top drugmakers in the United States by 2027.
6. Roche (US$50.38, +4%)
Roche, with over 125 years of history in medical innovation, ranks sixth in 2023. Despite challenges in cancer drug sales and Covid-19 treatments, the company’s diverse portfolio, including Ocrevus, Hemlibra, and Tecentriq, contributed to a 4% revenue increase. Leadership changes and a focus on solid underlying growth position Roche for future success.
7. Bristol-Myers Squibb (US$46.16, 0%)
Global biopharma Bristol-Myers Squibb holds the seventh position in 2023. Sales totaled US$46.16 billion, with a slight decrease attributed to the loss of exclusivity for Revlimid. The company anticipates revenue growth in 2023, driven by blockbusters Eliquis and Opdivo, along with newly approved products.
8. Sanofi (US$45.22, +1%)
Sanofi, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, is eighth in 2023 with global sales of just under €43 billion ($45 billion). Dupixent and the vaccines portfolio contributed to a 7% increase in sales. The company’s new brand identity and long-term growth strategy focus on innovation in oncology, inflammation, and immunology.
9. AstraZeneca (US$44.35, +16%)
AstraZeneca, headquartered in the UK, secured the ninth position with a revenue exceeding US$44 billion. The acquisition of Alexion in 2021 strengthened the rare disease portfolio. AstraZeneca expects double-digit revenue growth in 2023, driven by a robust pipeline and new launches.
10. GlaxoSmithKline (US$36.15, +11%)
UK-based multinational GlaxoSmithKline holds the tenth position with sales of US$36.15 million, reflecting an 11% increase. The demerger of the Consumer Healthcare business in 2022 allowed GSK to focus on biopharmaceuticals, leading to growth in speciality medicines and vaccines. A strong pipeline positions the company for long-term sales ambition and growth.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, these top companies demonstrate a commitment to innovation, research, and strategic initiatives, shaping the future of global healthcare.