The pharmaceutical industry has always been a significant player in improving public health and contributing to societal wellness. Its core objective is manufacturing essential medications that can help the betterment of society. Inside this sector, we find different types of pharmaceutical companies, each making their unique contributions to enhance public health. These companies employ a variety of strategies to develop special treatments and medicines using their drug licences. In this blog, we shall see various types of pharmaceutical companies and the different types of pharmaceutical businesses to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Types of Pharmaceutical Products
Mentioned below are the types of pharmaceutical products offered by these different types of pharmaceutical companies:
1. Novel Drug Formulations
2. Oncological Formulations
3. Parenteral Formulations
4. Topical Medicines
5. Oral Drugs
6. Modified Release Formulations
Categorising Pharmaceutical Products by Body System
It is essential to categorise pharmaceutical products based on the specific bodily systems they target. Mentioned below are some examples of pharmaceutical products aimed at various body systems:
1. Digestive System
· Proton Pump Inhibitors
· Antacids
· Antiflatulents
· Laxatives
· Antispasmodics
2. Cardiovascular System
· Antiarrhythmics
· Beta-Blockers
· Diuretics
· Vasoconstrictors
· Vasodilators
· Hemostasis and Anticoagulants
3. Nervous System
· Antiepileptics
· Psychedelics
· Anaesthetics
· Antipsychotics
· Antidepressants
· Hypnotics
· Barbiturates
· Antihistamines
4. Immune System
· Anti-fungal
· Anti-inflammatory
· Antibiotics
· Antiviral
· Anti-allergy
5. Endocrine System
· Estrogens
· Gonadotropin
· Androgens
· Corticosteroids
· Thyroid Hormones
These categorisations aid in understanding the diverse range of pharmaceutical products available, each designed to address specific medical conditions and bodily systems.
Types of Pharmaceutical Companies
In the pharmaceutical business, companies can be categorised into many types of Pharmaceutical Companies based on their primary focus and operations within the industry. Mentioned below are the different types of pharmaceutical companies:
1. Prominent Pharmaceutical Firms
In the realm of pharmaceuticals, we have prominent companies known for their extensive range of medications and healthcare offerings. These well-established entities, like Pfizer, house sizable research teams and operate numerous production facilities, enabling them to create and supply a wide assortment of pharmaceutical products.
2. Research and Innovation-Centric Enterprises
Smaller organisations in the pharmaceutical sector are dedicated to research and development. They frequently partner with larger pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials and play a role in the identification of novel drugs and treatment methods ultimately benefiting the society.
3. Generic Drug Manufacturers
Generic drug manufacturers play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly after the expiration of drug patents. These companies excel in the efficient mass production of generic medications. While they don’t prioritise extensive R&D, they specialise in providing cost-effective alternatives to patent-expired medicines.
4. AI Producers
In the pharmaceutical arena, Active Ingredient manufacturers have a key role in crafting biomolecules, bulk compounds, and a range of Active Ingredients utilised by pharmaceutical producers. Furthermore, they engage in the manufacturing of serums, vaccines, and other healthcare goods, making substantial contributions to the pharmaceutical supply chain.
5. Pharma Marketing and Distribution Companies
Pharma marketing offers various avenues for individuals looking to venture into the pharmaceutical sector. Two notable options include establishing a marketing company or owning a pharma franchise distribution unit. The choice between these options depends on individual preferences, as both are potentially lucrative ventures. Notably, a pharma franchise enjoys substantial marketing support from its parent pharmaceutical company.
Pharma distribution plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical supply chain and encompasses various sub-categories, such as stockist, wholesaler, distributor, and sub-stockist.
6. Pharma Retail Companies
The pharma retail sector is among the many types of pharmaceutical companies that offers a diverse range of opportunities, including:
1. Chemist Shops and Pharmacy Stores: These establishments provide a wide range of pharmaceutical products to consumers.
2. Medical and Drug Stores: Retail outlets focused on offering medications and related healthcare products.
3. Retail Stores for Medical Devices: These stores specialise in providing medical devices and equipment.
4. Retail Stores for Surgical Products: Retailers in this category supply surgical and medical equipment.
5. Cosmetic and Dietary Supplement Stores: These stores cater to customers seeking cosmetic products and dietary supplements.
Top 20 Pharmaceutical Companies in the World
Mentioned below is a list of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world, along with their market capitalisation:
| Sl No | Pharma Company (2019) | Market Cap ($ billion) |
| 1 | Johnson & Johnson | 372.2 |
| 2 | Roche | 239.6 |
| 3 | Pfizer | 235.8 |
| 4 | Novartis | 226.3 |
| 5 | Merck | 213.3 |
| 6 | Eli Lilly | 133.6 |
| 7 | Novo Nordisk | 132.1 |
| 8 | AbbVie | 119.1 |
| 9 | Amgen | 116.8 |
| 10 | Sanofi | 115.7 |
| 11 | GlaxoSmithKline | 105.7 |
| 12 | AstraZeneca | 103.7 |
| 13 | Gilead Sciences | 81.2 |
| 14 | Bristol-Myers Squibb | 78.1 |
| 15 | CSL | 65.9 |
| 16 | Bayer | 63.4 |
| 17 | Celgene | 61.4 |
| 18 | Takeda Pharmaceuticals | 53.4 |
| 19 | Merck KGaA | 52.2 |
| 20 | Allergan | 48.7 |
Top Pharmaceutical Exporting Countries
The top pharmaceutical exporting and importing countries, along with the amount of money earned and spent (in billions), are as follows:
| Sl No | Top Exporter | Money Earned ($) | Top Importer | Money Spent ($) |
| 1 | Germany | 84.7 billion | United States | 99.7 billion |
| 2 | Switzerland | 71.7 billion | Germany | 53.7 billion |
| 3 | United States | 49.7 billion | Belgium | 36.7 billion |
| 4 | Belgium | 45.7 billion | United Kingdom | 33.8 billion |
| 5 | Ireland | 40 billion | Switzerland | 29.3 billion |
Top Countries with Positive Net Exports
A look at the top countries with positive net exports during 2019, represented by the difference between total exports and imports (values in billions):
| Sl No | Country | Value |
| 1 | Switzerland | $26.5 billion (30.9%) |
| 2 | Germany | $26 billion (7.9%) |
| 3 | India | $13.7 billion (28%) |
| 4 | Ireland | $13.6 billion (-23.4%) |
| 5 | Denmark | $12.3 billion (9995.8%) |
Final Thoughts
The pharmaceutical industry encompasses several distinct types of pharmaceutical companies, each contributing to the global healthcare sector in unique ways. Mainline pharmaceutical giants, renowned for their extensive product portfolios, coexist with research and development-focused enterprises, facilitating innovation and clinical trials. Generic drug manufacturers play a vital role by mass-producing cost-effective alternatives. Artificial intelligence manufacturers play a crucial role in the production of vital compounds for the pharmaceutical industry, ranging from serums to vaccines. This dynamic sector boasts several prominent players, including Johnson & Johnson, Roche, and Pfizer.
