pharma

American  

[fahr-muh] / ˈfɑr mə /

noun

1. a pharmaceutical company or pharmaceutical companies considered collectively.

   He works for pharma.

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

   Pharma is expanding into China, hoping to replace local remedies with manufactured drugs.

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adjective

1. of or relating to pharmaceutical companies or the pharmaceutical industry.

   Pharma reps don't sell directly to doctors.

pharma British  

/ ˈfɑːmə /

noun

1. pharmaceutical companies when considered together as an industry

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Etymology

Origin of pharma

First recorded in 1990–95; short for pharmaceutical

Example Sentences

“Most U.S. and European pharma companies are actively searching for Chinese new drugs now,” said Paul Zhang, a partner with Bluestar BioAdvisors who advises drugmakers on the China biotech market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

The pharma giant’s recent strength is tied to a shift in investor sentiment, as the company pivots toward higher-growth business segments.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

But like the pharma industry, companies in other sectors are striking deals with the administration or taking steps to insulate themselves from tariff costs.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

The European Union, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland will be excluded from this plan and face a 15-percent pharma duty, due to trade deals they earlier struck with Washington.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The company is looking at expanding its manufacturing footprint in the U.S., the head of its pharma unit said, turning to the world’s largest drug market to drive a turnaround.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026