Top 10 pharma companies by 2024 revenue
The pharmaceutical industry experienced a landmark year in 2024, with nearly all major players reporting revenue growth.
According to World Visualized rankings, supported by insights from FiercePharma, the sector saw blockbuster drug sales, innovation in new therapies, and strategic expansions drive record-breaking revenues.
The top 10 pharmaceutical companies by 2024 revenue were:
- Johnson & Johnson (U.S.) – $88.8B (+4%)
- Roche (Switzerland) – $65.3B (+3%)
- Merck (U.S.) – $64.2B (+7%)
- Pfizer (U.S.) – $63.6B (+7%)
- AbbVie (U.S.) – $56.3B (+4%)
- AstraZeneca (U.K.) – $54.1B (+18%)
- Novartis (Switzerland) – $50.3B (+12%)
- Bristol Myers Squibb (U.S.) – $48.3B (+7%)
- Eli Lilly (U.S.) – $45B (+32%)
- Sanofi (France) – $44.4B (+9%)
FiercePharma’s industry analysis confirms that 2024 was overwhelmingly positive for Big Pharma. Unlike 2023—when nearly half the top 20 firms saw declines—last year, only one company in the top tier reported a revenue drop. Six companies achieved double-digit growth, reflecting strong pipelines and surging demand in key therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, and metabolic disease treatments.
Key highlights from 2024
- Johnson & Johnson held the top spot for the 12th straight year, cementing its dominance with nearly $89B in sales. Growth came largely from its Innovative Medicines division, particularly oncology and immunology therapies.
- Eli Lilly was the fastest-growing pharma giant, soaring 32% year-over-year. The surge was driven by demand for its GLP-1 drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, used for diabetes and obesity management. FiercePharma reports that Lilly even raised its 2024 sales forecast by $3B, reflecting sustained momentum.
- AstraZeneca grew revenues by an impressive 18%, powered by strong sales in oncology and cardiovascular medicines, positioning it as Europe’s fastest-growing pharma major.
- Novartis posted 12% growth, benefiting from its streamlined focus on innovative therapies and divestment of slower-growth units.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
