We sure live among the deadliest diseases in the world, but thanks to our evolution, not just as a human race, but in the pharmaceutical and medical world, we can stand against any disease and aim for a win, you know? Take the recent Covid-19 outbreak as an example, it was the global pharma industry that was standing strong as a shield. But within this very pharma industry, there are a few names that keep on working for the betterment of literally every human on the planet. And today, we are here to take a good look at the top 10 biggest pharma companies in the world as of 2024. So, let’s get going now, shall we?
1. Eli Lilly and Company
Just a decade ago, Eli Lilly and Company was pretty low on the rankings of this list, but see, now they have grabbed the top spot, and do you know why? Well, you see, this giant of a company, founded in the 19th century is standing today as the largest pharmaceutical entity as of 2024. Indeed, Eli Lilly and Company, whose astonishing market capitalization is $808.65 billion, has been transforming medicine since 1876. Notable for its innovative insulin medications, Eli Lilly’s path from diabetes therapy to cutting-edge cancer treatment is rather remarkable. However, it is actually their constant R&D that has put them at the height of pharmaceutical creativity, nothing else.
2. Novo Nordisk
Amazingly though, there is just one corporation that controls about half of the insulin available worldwide, and want to know who that is? Of course, it is none other than Novo Nordisk. Having a huge market capitalization of $620.85 billion, Denmark’s Novo Nordisk is the second-largest pharma company. For diabetics all across, Novo Nordisk has been a ray of hope since 1923, and they have been pretty good at it too. Their knowledge does not end there, though; they have also produced important advances in hemophilia, growth abnormalities, and hormone treatments. Their strong pipeline and innovative biotech funding will help them to remain at the top.
3. Johnson & Johnson
And who doesn’t know about Johnson & Johnson, which actually needs no introduction, right? Third in market capitalization at $350.62 billion on this list, this American multinational has been well-known since 1886. From their famous Band-Aids to life-saving cancer medications housed under their Janssen business, J&J is always committed to health, no matter what. Throughout its history, J&J has been that very company that was involved in a lot of breakthroughs like in neurology, immunology, and cancer have made them a pillar of worldwide medical practice.
4. Merck & Co., Inc.
Remember the HPV vaccination thing? Well, it was actually Merck & Co., Inc. that played a huge part in providing those vaccines. But would you believe that this pharma company has actually stood strong since 1891? Yes, that sure is a long time, but for this company, it worked out in favor of them because ever since this company only grew in size as well as in reputation. Since 1891, this pharmaceutical behemoth with a market capitalization of $318.75 billion has been stretching the bounds of medical knowledge. Merck’s commitment to R&D guarantees they will stay leaders in the sector, especially with its ground-breaking vaccines and revolutionary cancer medication Keytruda.
5. AbbVie Inc.
With a market capitalization of $289.32 billion, AbbVie Inc., a spin-off from Abbott Laboratories, shot to the top in just a little over a decade. Treating autoimmune illnesses, their breakthrough medication Humira has proved revolutionary. And in our opinion, that was one of the key points that made this pharma company one of the most famous companies in the world. On top of that, by means of calculated acquisitions like Allergan, AbbVie has broadened its influence in pharma into cosmetics, eye care, and women’s health, thereby reinforcing its position.
6. AstraZeneca
Have you heard about the COVID-19 vaccination created at the University of Oxford? It’s AstraZeneca. Established in 1999, this UK-based corporation has a market capitalization of $238.12 billion, which is why it comes in at number six on our list today. What else this pharma company is known for? Well, notable are their contributions to metabolic disorders, cardiology, and cancer.
7. Novartis
With a market capitalization of $217.87 billion, Switzerland’s Novartis is a brand of invention. Originally developed from the 1996 combination of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, Novartis has invented treatments in cancer, immunology, and gene therapy. For cancer patients, Kymriah, their CAR-T cell treatment, offers huge hope. All in all, the strategic emphasis on modern R&D by Novartis guarantees its ongoing relevance.
8. Roche
Coming from Switzerland as well, Roche has a market capitalization of $217.02 billion and leads in biotech and diagnostics. Roche has led the way in individualized treatment since 1896. Herceptin and Avastin, their cancer medications, have raised new benchmarks for oncology. Talking about modern medicine, well it is mostly based on Roche’s combined approach to diagnoses and treatments.
9. Amgen
Since 1980, American corporation Amgen, with a market capitalization of $165.96 billion, has been kinda a leader that rose to fame pretty quickly. Well-known for its biologics, Amgen’s main offerings, Enbrel and Neulasta, have revolutionized patient treatment all around the globe. And just like any other pharma company on this list, Amgen’s commitment to biotechnology developments guarantees they will always be leaders in the pharmaceutical industry.
10. Pfizer
Rounding off our list comes Pfizer, the manufacturer of the first approved COVID-19 vaccination for emergency use, you know? Having a market capitalization of $156.96 billion, Pfizer’s innovative past starts in 1849. Apart from immunizations, Pfizer shines in treatments for uncommon illnesses, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. It was actually after the COVID-19 outbreak that gave a push to the growth of Pfizer company.
Conclusion
For now, these are by far the biggest pharma companies in the world considering their impact as well as their market cap size. When there is a pandemic or any viral outbreak, these are the very companies we look up to. And time and again, these companies have proved why they deserve to be this big.
Brandon is the cheif editor and writer at WorldUnfolds.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye, he crafts engaging content that captivates and enlightens readers worldwide.
