Big Pharma

American  

[big fahr-muh] / ˈbɪg ˈfɑr mə /

Or big pharma

noun

1. pharmaceutical companies considered collectively, especially with reference to their political and commercial influence.

   The article attributes rising medical costs to private healthcare, Big Pharma, and insurance.

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Etymology

Origin of Big Pharma

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

That is the sector’s basic bargain: Early investors back unproven science, then exit when Big Pharma writes a check.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Big Pharma is on the prowl for biotech companies, but it’s being stingy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

In the world of Big Pharma, this is unheard of.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Big Pharma feels more certainty on regulatory policy, and Lilly is going to generate a ridiculous amount of free cash flow in the next five to 10 years.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

For Big Pharma, the triumph of developing a new lifesaving blockbuster drug that generates billions in revenue is inevitably followed by the reality that drug patents have an expiration date.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025