In this article we listed the 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world a year ago and then compared their market caps today. Most of the article was written a year ago and discuss what hedge funds thought about those companies at that time. The biggest loser in the list is probably Moderna (MRNA) which was riding high a year ago because of high expectations about its COVID vaccine.The global pharmaceutical market stood at an impressive value of $1,270 billion by the end of the year 2020. Moreover, in the years between 2021 and 2028, the pharmaceutical industry is forecasted to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.34%. The most prominent players in the global pharmaceutical market are GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK), Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), and Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT).Changing Trends for the Pharmaceutical IndustryAs with most other lucrative industries, technological innovation has changed the face of the pharmaceutical industry in recent years. Firstly, the use of artificial intelligence helps companies with both the discovery and production of drugs. AI essentially accelerates the developmental journey of medicines, as it optimizes clinical trials and improves the process of mass production (see 11 best AI stocks to buy now). Secondly, the replacement of paper process by digital processes has minimized the chances of error and loss of data and have enhanced the operational efficiency in the industry. Moreover, the digitalization of processes ensures transparency and regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical companies. Thirdly, cloud technology has enabled pharmaceutical companies to partner with prominent stakeholders such as the government in order to secure their data as well as integrate the data of their customers, thereby enhancing its integrity.Another groundbreaking development in the pharmaceutical industry is the eventual acceptance and use of medical marijuana. Drugs derived from marijuana are being used in the United States for pain relief, mood regulation, and vascular health, among other medical issues. Such contemporary yet revolutionary developments combined with the integration of technology in the pharmaceutical industry signify countless opportunities for pharmaceutical companies worldwide (see best marijuana stocks to buy).Story continuesImpact of the CoronavirusThe pharmaceutical industry suffered due to the coronavirus, primarily due to the supply chain issues during the pandemic. While Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (OTC: BAYRY) experienced a 4.8% rise in sales during the pandemic due to the increased demand for drugs such as aspirin, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported a 12% drop in sales. Similarly, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK)’s sales decreased by $2.1 billion due to the drastic drop in doctor’s office visits. About Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Mario Gabelli commented “Johnson & Johnson has the management team and the strong balance sheet to emerge from the current crisis in a stronger position than ever before.” The comment shows that the major players in the global pharmaceutical industry were expected to recover easily from any losses that they incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.Although the pandemic had a different effect on each pharmaceutical company, the industry suffered overall. However, the pharmaceutical industry was one of the first and fastest to recover. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry’s activity in 2021 has improved to an even higher level than in the pre-pandemic months. In the first quarter of 2021, activity levels in the industry were 14.6% higher than they were at the end of 2019.After the vaccines had rolled out, pharmaceutical companies experienced massive success. The stock price of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) rose by 4.9% within a day following its report about the successful development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the shares of Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) increased by a noteworthy 5% when it released news about its COVID-19 vaccine being effective against the Delta variant of the virus.With the world adjusting to the new post-pandemic normal, people have developed hygienic habits and have become hyper-aware of their health. Consequently, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies are one of the fastest-growing industries presently. Even as the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gradually ensures that the entire human race is protected against the virus, people will remain especially conscious about their health for years to come. This change in the collective perspective of humanity ensures that the pharmaceutical industry would thrive in the coming years.25 Biggest Pharmaceutical Companies in the WorldNestor Rizhniak/Shutterstock.comWith this context in mind, let’s now discuss the 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. We rank the companies based on their market capitalization.25 Biggest Pharmaceutical Companies in the World25. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE: TEVA)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $10.3 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $10 billionTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE: TEVA) is the 25th on the list of 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE: TEVA) is an Israel-based company that is known for drugs developed especially for treating respiratory diseases, migraine, neurodegenerative diseases, headache, movement disorders, and oncology. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE: TEVA) focuses on providing access to quality medicines for the general public to manage their diseases and improve their general health.In the said letter, Miller Value Partners highlighted a few stocks and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE: TEVA) is one of them. Here is what the fund said:24. Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $16.7 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $11.5 billionViatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a global health care company that aims to empower people from all over the world to live healthy lives in all circumstances. Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) makes healthcare accessible for people by offering them innovative medicines and advanced tools. Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is committed to making the future sustainable and healthy for all the communities out there.In its Q1 2021 investor letter, Mittleman Brothers highlighted a few stocks and Viatris Inc (NASDAQ: VTRS) is one of them. Here is what the fund said:23. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE: FMS)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $21.4 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $9.9 billionFresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE: FMS) is one of the top-rated pharmaceutical companies in the world that serves patients with chronic kidney failure and provides dialysis products like dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, and other disposable products. People at Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE: FMS) continuously strive to provide a healthy environment for kidney patients by inventing some unique products of high quality. The company is the 23rd of the 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world.Artisan Partners, in its Q1 2021 investor letter, mentioned Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE: FMS). Here is what the fund said:22. Astellas Pharma Inc. (OTC: ALPMY)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $31.8 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $26.3 billionAstellas Pharma Inc. (TYO: 4503) is a Tokyo-based company that has been serving patients with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, liver diseases, kidney diseases, and other infectious diseases from all over the world. Astellas Pharma Inc. (TYO: 4503) believes in turning innovative science into value for patients. The company aims to create a positive change through its innovative discoveries to benefit people all around the globe. Astellas Pharma Inc. (TYO: 4503) is hence the first on the list of the 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world.21. Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $44.7 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $28.4 billionBiogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) has established its name in the field of neurology and treats people with serious neurodegenerative diseases. Patients of multiple sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy from all over the world benefit from the innovative medicines of Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB). People at Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) are committed to defeating life-threatening neurological diseases through their scientific research and discoveries. The company is 20th on our list of 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world.In the Q2 2021 investor letter of Longleaf Partners Global Fund, the fund mentioned Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB). Here is what the fund said:20. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $48.9 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $72.1 billionVertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX) is a USA-based company that has been unraveling the cause of cystic fibrosis. The main focus of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX) is on conducting clinical research on chronic diseases such as alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency and other serious kidney diseases. The company’s pipeline is also being expanded for sickle cell diseases, type 1 diabetes, and beta-thalassemia.ClearBridge Investments, in its Q1 2021 investor letter, mentioned Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX). Here is what the fund said:19. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (OTC: BAYRY)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $53.2 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $50.3 billionBayer Aktiengesellschaft (OTC: BAYRY) is one of the few companies that is not only concerned for humans but also plants and animals equally. Due to this reason, Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (OTC: BAYRY) stands out from its competitors. At Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (OTC: BAYRY), people are fully committed to inventing new ways for creating a sustainable future where plants, animals, and humans are given a safe and healthy environment.18. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (NYSE: TAK)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $53.3 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $42.8 billionTakeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (NYSE: TAK) is a patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that has been establishing new ways for providing a better health environment to all patients for almost 240 years. Thousands of cancer patients from all around the world benefit from the innovative medicines produced by the company. Moreover, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (NYSE: TAK) is continuously striving to develop superior medicines through their discoveries.17. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $69.6 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $63.3 billionFor almost 30 years, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) has established an objective of using the medium of science in order to create innovative medicines for patients all around the world. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) develop medicines for patients with life-threatening diseases such as eye diseases, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hematologic diseases, and cancer. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) is the 18th on the list of 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world.Polen Focus Growth Fund, in its Q1 2021 investor letter, mentioned Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN). Here is what the fund said:16. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $89 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $80 billionIn an attempt to develop cures for life-threatening diseases, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) introducing innovative, game-changing medicines. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) demonstrates concern and respect for patients from all around the world for almost 30 years. The current focus of Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) is on the treatment of inflammatory diseases, HIV, oncology, and many other emerging viruses.15. GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $100 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $65.7 billionGlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK) is a global healthcare company that strives to make an environment where people can live long and healthy lives. There are various medicines, vaccines, and health care products that are being manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK) and are being sold worldwide. Using the medicines improves the quality of life of the users, thus fulfilling the sole purpose of GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK).14. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $121.4 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $129.7 billionAmgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) is a US-based company that aims to treat patients that deal with challenging diseases by incorporating innovative discoveries and ideas into medicines. As Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) is a biotechnology company, it uses human genetics underlying the basic principles of human biology to disentangle the complexities of diseases in a much better way.Distillate Capital, in its Q4 2020 investor letter said that they are optimistic in Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN). Here is what the fund said:13. Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $121.5 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $100.2 billionIn this era where poor people are being neglected in so many ways, Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY) singularly makes sure to provide healthcare opportunities to the world’s poorest people. Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY) provides its services in treating childhood cancer, polio, sleeping sickness, and many other infectious diseases. In this way, Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY) aims to create a healthier environment worldwide. The company is 15th on the list of 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world.Artisan Partners Limited Partnership, in its Q4 2020 investor letter, mentioned Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY). Here is what the fund said:12. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $140.3 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $146.5 billionBristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) is the 13th on the list of the 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. With the help of new scientific platforms, the employees of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) are committed to providing innovative solutions to cure life-threatening diseases. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) is motivated to make a difference by creating a positive difference in the lives of people all over the world. Moreover, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) supports several community-based programs in order to raise awareness about cancer among high-risk populations.11. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $175.2 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $190 billionThe major goal of AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) is to develop and commercialize innovative medicines in the field of oncology, cardiovascular medicine, immunology, and metabolism. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) not only discusses various healthcare challenges that are being faced by lots of people in recent times but also tries to cure them. In this way, AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) is changing the lives of billions of people from all over the world.10. Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $181.4 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $54.2 billionModerna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) is based in the state of Massachusetts and focuses majorly on developing vaccines based on messenger RNA or mRNA. Until now, the only product that Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) has commercialized is its vaccine against the COVID-19, which, along with the vaccine by Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), has become one of the most popular coronavirus vaccines worldwide.In the Q2 2021 investor letter of Baillie Gifford, the fund mentioned Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA). Here is what the fund said:9. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $185.9 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $218.4 billionMerck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) stands out from the rest of the pharmaceutical companies as it not only cures diseases for humans but provides cures for animals too. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) covers a wide range of diseases such as HIV, Ebola, cancer, and many other diseases that have emerged over the past few years. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) is the 10th on the list of the 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world.8. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $188.5 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $241 billionPeople at AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) creates and distributes a range of 113 different medicines and operates in 70 countries around the world. The company was initiated in 2013 and presently boasts a team of 48,000 employees worldwide. Moreover, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) shares its legacy with Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT). AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV)’s blockbuster drug Humira (Adalimumab) is popular worldwide for its use against the inflammatory process for people who suffer from Crohn’s disease. The company is ranked 9th on the list of 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world.7. Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $191.9 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $173.7 billionNovartis AG (NYSE: NVS) covers 3 broad areas: eye care under the name of Alcon, generic drugs as Sandoz, and pharmaceuticals as Novartis. The company developed the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) with its headquarters in Massachusetts, United States. In the research institutes within the NIBR, Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) focuses on developing cures for diseases that are prevalent in the developing world, such as tuberculosis, dengue, malaria, typhoid fever, and shigella.6. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT)Market Capitalization as of September 11, 2021: $228.3 billionMarket Capitalization as of September 02, 2022: $179.5 billionAbbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) ranks 7th on the list of the 25 biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. The main objective of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) is to create health technologies that can cause a life-changing impact on patients dealing with serious illnesses. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) develops a wide range of products from catheters and pacemakers to baby formula and nutrition bars. The products manufactured by Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) are categorized into the segments of cardiovascular, diabetes, diagnostics, neuromodulation, nutrition, and medicines.Polen Global Growth Fund, in its Q1 2021 investor letter, mentioned Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT). Here is what the fund said: Click to continue reading and see the 5 Biggest Pharma Companies in the World. Suggested Articles:Disclosure: None. 25 Biggest Pharmaceutical Stocks in the World is originally published at Insider Monkey.
