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

It isn’t uncommon for Big Pharma to pay tens of billions of dollars for a biotech company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

He also likes healthcare, which benefits from the fact that many Big Pharma and biotech companies pay juicy dividends.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

That has won it fans among analysts searching for the next biotech acquisition by Big Pharma.

From Barron's • Dec. 9, 2025