Global Biopharma R&D Productivity And Growth Ranking

Overall Decline In R&D Productivity Continued In 2019

An analysis of the R&D productivity of the world’s 30 largest public pharmaceutical companies reveals an overall drop in R&D productivity, but this should not hide the fact that some companies are still performing extremely well.

Market_Crash
• Source: Shutterstock

The top companies in Catenion’s annual survey have traditionally been emerging and mid-size players rather than big pharma. The same is true in 2019 as 6/10 qualify as mid-sized in the R&D ranking and 7/10 in the company ranking (that includes historical and forecast growth in sales, profit and market cap). Emerging mid-size pharma company Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (a first-time entrant) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. top the company performance ranking, but only Regeneron is in the top 10 in the R&D ranking (#8, Alexion #13). Both companies are now enjoying the fruits of their strong R&D from previous years, at the same time both are struggling to replenish their pipelines with high value assets.

Alexion is feeling the heat as activist investor Elliott Management has a different view of the outlook than management, and...

More from Business Strategy

Late-Stage GLP-1 Drug Trials Outside The Cardiometabolic Space

 
• By 

A look at Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and other companies' late-stage clinical studies of GLP-1 drugs in indications ranging from neurodegeneration to oncology, and alcoholic liver disease to autoimmune conditions.

Rising Leaders 2025: Metsera’s Whit Bernard’s Musical Path To Biotech Leadership

 
• By 

Metsera CEO Whit Bernard applies an unconventional leadership philosophy to develop next-generation obesity therapeutics, including monthly GLP-1 injections and oral peptides.

AI In Drug Discovery: The Patent Implications

 
• By 

A Q&A with DeAnn Smith, partner and co-chair of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Proceedings Practice Group at law firm Foley Hoag.

Is Advanced AI Revolutionizing Sales Enablement In Pharma?

 
• By 

Advanced AI is revolutionizing sales enablement by addressing training gaps and performance challenges. Used correctly, it can help to bridge the sales-marketing divide, accelerate ramp-up times and provide managers with data-driven insights.

More from In Vivo

Rising Leaders 2025: Doxie Jordan, From UNC Graduate To Global Market Strategist

 
• By 

Bristol Myers Squibb executive Doxie Jordan discusses his path to global commercial leadership and the principles guiding pharmaceutical market strategy

Podcast: Brain+ CEO Discusses “Groundbreaking” Potential Of CST Assistant For Dementia Patients

 

Devika Wood, CEO of Brain+, explains the importance of developing health tech solutions for dementia and the growing need to both raise awareness and improve overall access to nondrug interventions like CST.

Behind The Buyout: Dispatches From The Dealmaking Table

 
• By 

In a challenging funding environment for biopharma, strategic dealmaking has become a critical growth engine. In Vivo explores what it truly takes to navigate high-stakes acquisitions and partnerships, drawing on insights from seasoned industry leaders.