Big Pharma

Or big phar·ma

[big fahr-muh]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Big Pharma¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

The Stoxx Europe 600 Health Care index—dominated by Europe’s big pharma stocks—rose as much as 3.1% in early European trading on Wednesday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Big Pharma has been out of favor with investors on fears of tariffs and price controls.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since most Big Pharma companies are already pledging large investments in U.S. manufacturing, they should now be able to steer clear of heavy tariffs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Vaccine mandates made Americans think Big Pharma was in league with the government.

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Lilly is one of many big pharma companies that lately have announced big investments in U.S. manufacturing.

Read more on Barron's