The world of healthcare is always changing, and the drug industry is at the heart of it. In 2024, some drugs have become superstars. They treat serious diseases and make a lot of money for their makers.
These top drugs include new cancer treatments and medicines for metabolic diseases. They show us what the future of medicine will look like. Let’s explore these drugs, the companies that make them, and what they mean for healthcare.
The Pharma Giants Leading the Charge
Here are the top-selling drugs of 2024, based on how much money they make:
| Drugs | Company | 2024 Sales Data |
| Keytruda | Merck | $29.5 billion |
| Ozempic | Novo Nordisk | $17.5 billion |
| Trikafta | Vertex Pharmaceuticals | $11.02 billion |
| Stelara | Johnson & Johnson | $10.4 billion |
| Dupixent | Sanofi / Regeneron | $14.15 billion |
| Eliquis | Pfizer / Bristol Myers | $13.3 billion |
| Biktarvy | Gilead Sciences | $3.8 billion |
| Skyrizi | AbbVie | $11.7 billion |
| Mounjaro | Eli Lilly | $3.53 billion |
| Darzalex | Johnson & Johnson | $11.7 billion |
These numbers are huge and changing the game. Let’s dive into what each drug does and why they’re so popular.
Keytruda (Merck) – $29.5B
Merck’s Keytruda is a leader in cancer treatment. It works by boosting the immune system to fight tumors. It’s used for many cancers and is a big success.
Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) – $17.5B
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has since gained widespread recognition for its powerful weight loss effects. It’s part of a trend towards healthier lifestyles. Its success shows how important metabolic health is today.
Dupixent (Sanofi/Regeneron) – $14.15B
Dupixent is key for treating skin, asthma, and nasal polyps. It blocks certain proteins to fight inflammation. Its success highlights the growing significance of biologics in modern healthcare.
Biktarvy (Gilead Sciences) – $3.8B
Biktarvy is a next-generation HIV therapy designed for simplicity and daily convenience. It’s a single tablet taken once a day. Gilead’s work in HIV has kept it a leader in the field.
Eliquis (Pfizer/Bristol Myers Squibb) – $13.3B
Eliquis is a top choice for preventing stroke and treating atrial fibrillation. It’s safe and effective, making it key in heart health. As more people age, Eliquis will keep helping those at risk for blood clots.
Skyrizi (AbbVie) – $11.7B
AbbVie is working hard to stay on top with Skyrizi. It fights psoriasis and Crohn’s disease by blocking IL-23. Skyrizi’s success helps AbbVie deal with the loss of Humira’s patent.
Darzalex (Johnson & Johnson) – $11.7B
Darzalex is making a big difference in multiple myeloma. It helps both new and relapsed patients. Johnson & Johnson’s strong oncology pipeline and Darzalex’s different forms make it appealing to many.
Mounjaro (Eli Lilly) – $11.5B
Mounjaro is a big hit for type 2 diabetes and obesity. It works in two ways to help with weight loss. Its success shows how important weight management is today.
Stelara (Johnson & Johnson) – $10.4B
Stelara fights IL-12 and IL-23 and is used for psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Even with biosimilars coming, Stelara’s real-world success keeps it strong in immunology.
Trikafta (Vertex Pharmaceuticals) – $11.2B
Trikafta is a game-changer for cystic fibrosis. It targets the root cause of the disease, not just symptoms. Vertex is leading in rare disease treatments thanks to Trikafta’s wide use and limited competition.
The Bigger Picture: Where the Industry is Headed
These top drugs show what’s next for the pharmaceutical world:
- Chronic Disease & Lifestyle Medicine: Ozempic and Mounjaro show a growing focus on obesity and metabolic syndrome.
- Biologics & Precision Medicine: Drugs like Dupixent, Skyrizi, and Stelara offer targeted treatments with fewer side effects.
- Oncology & Immunotherapy: Keytruda and Darzalex prove that cancer treatments are both effective and profitable.
- Rare Disease Breakthroughs: Trikafta and Biktarvy show how innovation in niche areas can lead to huge success.
Forecast: A Booming Market for Drug Discovery
The global drug discovery services market is expected to grow a lot. It will go from $XXbillion in 2025 to $XX billion by 2030, with a 10.7% CAGR. This growth comes from:
- More companies outsourcing their work
- Advances in AI and machine learning for drug development
- More demand for biologics and precision medicine
- More research into rare and orphan diseases
FAQ
1. What’s the top-selling drug of 2024?
Keytruda (Merck) leads with $29.5B in global sales, driven by its success in cancer treatment.
2. Why is Ozempic so popular?
Originally for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic gained major traction for its weight loss benefits, boosting sales to $17.5B.
3. What conditions does Dupixent treat?
Dupixent is used for eczema, asthma, and nasal polyps, showcasing the rise of biologic therapies.
4. What makes Biktarvy notable?
Biktarvy is a once-daily HIV treatment that simplifies care while maintaining strong efficacy.