TOP 10: Largest US Pharmaceutical Companies
10 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Revenue: $12.2bn
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in New York State, was founded in 1988. The company employs over 10,000 people globally, with operations in the US and Europe. Its key medicines include Eylea, for eye disorders, and Dupixent, for inflammatory conditions.
In 2022, Regeneron acquired Checkmate Pharmaceuticals to expand its immuno-oncology portfolio. The company's technology platform, VelociSuite, enables rapid identification of drug candidates. Regeneron has collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi and Bayer.
09 Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Revenue: $8.9bn
Boston-based Vertex employs 4,000 people worldwide, and operates in North America, Europe, Australia and Latin America.
It focuses on developing treatments for cystic fibrosis, with key medicines including Trikafta, Symdeko and Orkambi. Its most profitable product is Trikafta, a triple combination therapy for cystic fibrosis. The firm also has programmes in pain management, type 1 diabetes and genetic diseases such as sickle cell disease.
08 Amgen
Revenue: $26.3bn
Amgen was founded in 1980 in California, and has 24,000 staff globally across 100 countries. It focuses on developing biologic medicines, and its portfolio includes Enbrel, for rheumatoid arthritis, Prolia, for osteoporosis, and Neulasta, for reducing infection risk in chemotherapy patients. Enbrel is Amgen's most profitable product.
The firm also produces biosimilars and has a pipeline of oncology and cardiovascular treatments. Amgen expanded its presence in rare diseases through its 2023 acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.
07 Gilead Sciences
Revenue: $27.3bn
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical firm that specialises in antiviral treatments. Its portfolio includes HIV medicines Biktarvy and Genvoya, COVID-19 treatment Veklury, and hepatitis C drug Harvoni. Biktarvy is its most profitable product. Gilead also develops oncology and inflammatory disease therapies.
The company expanded its oncology presence through acquisitions, notably purchasing Immunomedics for $21bn in 2020. Gilead continues to invest in research and development across its therapeutic areas.
It was established in 1987, is based in Foster City, California, and employs over 17,000 people globally.
06 Eli Lilly
Revenue: $28.5bn
Eli Lilly was founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly, who was committed to creating high-quality medicines that met real needs in an era of bogus elixirs. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, it employs approximately 40,000 people in 120 countries.
Lilly's portfolio includes diabetes treatments Trulicity and Humalog, cancer drug Alimta, and autoimmune medication Taltz. The firm also produces Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Trulicity remains Lilly's top-selling product.
The company focuses on oncology, immunology, and neuroscience research. Lilly expanded its neurodegenerative disease capabilities by acquiring Prevail Therapeutics in 2021 for $1bn.
05 Bristol Myers Squibb
Revenue: $46.2bn
Bristol Myers Squibb was founded in 1887, and now employs over 30,000 people globally. Its portfolio includes cancer treatments Opdivo and Yervoy, blood thinner Eliquis, and multiple myeloma drug Revlimid. Eliquis is the company's highest-earning product.
BMS focuses on oncology, haematology, immunology, and cardiovascular diseases. The firm expanded its cell therapy capabilities through the $74bn acquisition of Celgene in 2019. BMS continues to invest in research and development across its therapeutic areas.
04 Merck & Co
Revenue: $59.3bn
Merck & Co. was founded in the US in 1891 by George Merck who, age 23, established the company to distribute fine chemicals throughout New York City and neighbouring areas.
Merck's portfolio includes cancer immunotherapy Keytruda, HPV vaccine Gardasil, and diabetes medication Januvia. Keytruda is its top earner.
Merck focuses on oncology, vaccines, and hospital acute care. The firm expanded its animal health division through the $7.7bn acquisition of Antelliq in 2019. Merck continues to invest in research and development across its core therapeutic areas.
03 AbbVie
Revenue: $58.1bn
Biopharmaceutical company AbbVie, spun off from Abbott Laboratories in 2013, is headquartered in Illinois, and employs 50,000 people globally. Its portfolio includes immunology drug Humira, cancer treatments Imbruvica and Venclexta, and neuroscience medication Botox. Historically, Humira has been AbbVie's most profitable product.
The firm focuses on immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and aesthetics. AbbVie significantly expanded its neuroscience and aesthetics presence through the $63bn acquisition of Allergan in 2020.
02 Johnson & Johnson
Revenue: $94.9bn
In 1886, three brothers – Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson – founded Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey. They were inspired to create ready-to-use surgical dressings, after hearing a speech by antiseptic advocate Joseph Lister in 1885.
Now employing 130,000 people globally, its brands include Band-Aid, Tylenol, and Neutrogena.
J&J's pharmaceutical division produces medications such as Stelara for immunology and Darzalex for oncology. Its medical devices segment offers products for orthopaedics, surgery, and vision care. Stelara stands as the company's top-earning product. In 2023, J&J completed the spin-off of its consumer health business, now operating as Kenvue.
01 Pfizer
Revenue: $100.3bn
Pfizer was founded in 1849 in New York by German entrepreneur Charles Pfizer, and now employs 80,000 people worldwide.
Pfizer's product line-up includes the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty, breast cancer drug Ibrance, and blood thinner Eliquis. Comirnaty has been Pfizer's most profitable product in recent years.
The firm focuses on oncology, immunology, and rare diseases. Pfizer expanded its vaccine capabilities through the $11bn acquisition of Seagen in 2023. The company continues to invest in research and development across its therapeutic areas
