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

See Examples For:

Big Pharma

It’s early days, but Big Pharma has been racing to own the technology.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 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

For now, Big Pharma remains insulated from severe impact to its bottom line.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 25, 2026

Lilly has long been a Wall Street darling, commanding a far higher earnings multiple than its Big Pharma peers.

From Barron's ● Nov. 21, 2025