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The largest pharmaceutical company in the U.S. is Pfizer, with a revenue of $100.33 billion.
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As of 2026, the U.S. pharmaceutical industry has a market size of $650 billion.
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Over 5.2 billion retail prescriptions were filled in the U.S. in 2025.
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The U.S. pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2030.
The pharmaceutical industry has long been scrutinized, yet it remains a cornerstone of modern healthcare, providing essential medications and treatments. In 2026, the sector has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in technology, increased focus on personalized medicine, and the growing demand for innovative therapies. As we look at the landscape today, it’s clear that understanding the largest players in this industry is crucial for job seekers, investors, and healthcare professionals alike.
With numerous companies vying for a share of the pharmaceutical market, we explored the current largest pharmaceutical companies in America, utilizing reliable financial data to compile our list of industry leaders.
Here are the 10 largest Pharmaceutical Companies
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Location: New York City, NY
2025 Annual Revenue $100.33 billionCompany Description: Founded in the mid-1800s by Charles Pfizer and his cousin Charles Erhart, Pfizer has consistently led the industry thanks to its revolutionary pharmaceutical breakthroughs, including its pioneering work in mRNA technology. Today, the company continues to thrive through strategic acquisitions and innovative research.
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Location: New Brunswick, NJ
2025 Annual Revenue $94.94 billionCompany Description: As one of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally, Johnson & Johnson has diversified its offerings across various sectors, including consumer health products and medical devices. Established in the 1880s, it now operates over 250 affiliated companies worldwide.
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Location: Lake Bluff, IL
2025 Annual Revenue $58.05 billionCompany Description: AbbVie, formed from Abbott Laboratories’ split in 2013, has made significant advancements in research and development, focusing on treatments for chronic and complex diseases such as Crohn’s disease and cystic fibrosis.
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Location: New York City, NY
2025 Annual Revenue $46.15 billionCompany Description: Founded in the mid-1800s, Bristol-Myers Squibb has established itself as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on innovative therapies for diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions, with a market capitalization reflecting its robust growth.
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Location: Lake Bluff, IL
2025 Annual Revenue $43.65 billionCompany Description: Abbott Laboratories, a leader in medical diagnostics and nutritional products, emerged from the split of Abbott Laboratories in 2013. The company continues to thrive by focusing on innovative medical solutions and technology.
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Merck & Co.
Location: Kenilworth, NJ
2025 Annual Revenue $42.84 billionCompany Description: Established as a family-owned pharmacy, Merck & Co. has transformed into a global leader in pharmaceuticals, known for groundbreaking drugs like Gardasil and Januvia, and is committed to addressing public health challenges.
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Location: Indianapolis, IN
2025 Annual Revenue $28.54 billionCompany Description: Eli Lilly, known for its pioneering work in insulin production, has remained at the forefront of diabetes care and other therapeutic areas. The company has been recognized for its commitment to innovation and patient-centered care.
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Location: Kalamazoo, MI
2025 Annual Revenue $18.44 billionCompany Description: Stryker Corporation, founded in 1946, specializes in medical devices and equipment, focusing on innovation to improve patient outcomes and surgical efficiency. Its commitment to quality has earned it a prominent place in the healthcare market.
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Location: Tarrytown, NY
2025 Annual Revenue $12.17 billionCompany Description: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to developing innovative therapies for serious medical conditions, leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology to tackle unmet medical needs and improve patient health worldwide.
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Location: Cambridge, MA
2025 Annual Revenue $10.173 billionCompany Description: Biogen, founded in the 1970s, is a leader in therapies for neurological diseases, focusing on innovative solutions for conditions like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, with a commitment to advancing neuroscience.
How We Did It
Utilizing financial data from 2025, we identified the largest pharmaceutical and biotech companies based on their annual revenues. We focused exclusively on companies located in the U.S. and filtered out those primarily involved in biotechnology rather than traditional pharmaceuticals.
With this method, we compiled a definitive list of the top pharmaceutical companies based on their 2025 revenues.
Is your company among the top ten? Continue reading to discover our complete list.
Pharmaceutical Industry FAQ
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Which organizations can approve new drugs in the U.S.?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary body responsible for drug approval in the U.S. The FDA oversees different protocols for over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.
While many OTC drugs can be marketed without FDA approval, prescription drugs must undergo rigorous testing and scrutiny before they are made available to consumers.
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Who were the scientists who helped create the modern U.S. pharmaceutical industry?
Key figures such as Charles Pfizer, Charles Erhardt, and Eli Lilly played pivotal roles in shaping the U.S. pharmaceutical landscape. Pfizer and Erhardt founded their company in Brooklyn, New York, in 1849, focusing on antiparasitic medications. Eli Lilly established his enterprise in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1873, pioneering innovations in pharmaceutical packaging.
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What is the largest pharmaceutical company in the U.S.?
The largest pharmaceutical company in the U.S. is Pfizer, with a revenue of $100.33 billion. Founded in the mid-1800s by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company initially produced citric acid and has since expanded its portfolio significantly.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, understanding the largest pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. is essential for anyone interested in the healthcare sector. For job seekers, investors, and industry professionals, staying informed about these leaders helps navigate this dynamic field.
If you’re a recent graduate searching for career opportunities, explore how to tackle common interview questions, such as “What gets you up in the morning?”
Looking for more insights? Check out our article on the best small colleges in Illinois for further guidance.
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
