In this article, we will be covering the top 5 most profitable pharmaceutical companies in the world. If you wish to see the details, skip to the Top 20 Most Profitable Pharmaceutical Companies In The World.
5. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO)
2022 Net Income: $7.86 billion
2022 Revenue: $25 billion
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) achieved significant growth in 2022, primarily fueled by its semaglutide franchise for type 2 diabetes and obesity. The solid sales performance of Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy contributed to a 16% increase in the company’s full-year earnings, reaching approximately $25 billion. The success of the semaglutide products offset the decline in sales of Victoza.
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO)’s semaglutide is also being tested for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and Alzheimer’s. Ozempic gained popularity as a weight-loss drug through off-label use, while Wegovy is approved for weight loss in obese patients. Manufacturing challenges affected supply in the first half of 2022, but production has resumed. Rybelsus also contributed to the company’s growth.
4. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)
2022 Net Income: $31.4 billion
2022 Revenue: $100.33 billion
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) dominated the drugmaker revenue charts in 2022 with a record-breaking $100.3 billion and stands fourth among the top most profitable pharmaceutical companies in the world. The mRNA COVID vaccine, Comirnaty, brought in $37.8 billion, and Paxlovid generated $18.9 billion. Pfizer has yet to announce vaccine prices in the commercial market, but they may be around $110 to $130 per dose. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) was criticized for its pricing scheme, but the possible prices align with other vaccines. The company also faced litigation over Zantac’s cancer-causing potential, with some cases dismissed, and settlements reached with Sanofi.
3. Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)
2022 Net Income: $8.36 billion
2022 Revenue: $19.3 billion
Driven by sales of its COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) achieved the 19th position among the top pharmaceutical companies in 2022. However, the company faces uncertainty in future sales due to declining vaccination demand. While Moderna has secured $5 billion in business for 2023, a revenue target for the year has yet to be projected.
While future COVID vaccine sales should become more predictable, Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) is investing $4.5 billion in research and development. It is also developing vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus and flu and collaborating with Merck & Co. on a personalized therapeutic cancer vaccine.
2. GSK plc (NYSE:GSK)
2022 Net Income: $18.49 billion
2022 Revenue: $36.27 billion
GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) underwent significant transformations in 2022, including a rebranding as GSK and the spinoff of Haleon. The company achieved an overall growth rate of 13%, fueled by the success of Shingrix and its HIV medications. GSK plc (NYSE:GSK)’s COVID antibody Xevudy generated sales of 2.3 billion pounds ($3.17 billion), although it lost authorization in the U.S. The oncology segment faced challenges with Zejula and Blenrep, but GSK made strategic investments in ADCs and acquired Sierra Oncology. Jemperli showed promising results in lung cancer treatment.
1. BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX)
2022 Net Income: $9.94 billion
2022 Revenue: $18.20 billion
In 2022, BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX), a German mRNA specialist, encountered challenges stemming from fluctuating COVID-19 vaccine demand, mirroring Moderna’s experience. The year 2023 poses additional difficulties as vaccine demand continues to decline and uncertainties persist. Unlike its partner Pfizer, BioNTech relies solely on the Comirnaty vaccine, which is expected to generate 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) in sales for 2023.
However, BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) experienced growth by expanding its Marburg vaccine plant, adding 250 employees, and increasing its workforce by over 1,500 in 2022. The company also introduced modular factories called BioNTainers, targeting production in Africa, and expanded into Australia and Singapore.
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