pharma

[fahr-muh]

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.

adjective

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

   Pharma reps don't sell directly to doctors.

pharma

/ ˈfɑːmə /

noun

1. pharmaceutical companies when considered together as an industry

Word History and Origins

Origin of pharma¹

First recorded in 1990–95; short for pharmaceutical

Example Sentences

The tie-up is the latest in a wave of collaborations between Chinese companies and international pharma majors looking to expand their global reach and tap promising drug pipelines developing in China.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Swiss pharma group said Monday that the FDA also approved a shorter 90-minute waiting time between infusions for eligible patients with the disease, lupus nephritis.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Swiss pharma group’s valuation now reflects its recent growth, though this happened more slowly than expected given nine straight quarters of Novartis beating and raising guidance, the analyst says.

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Biotech and pharma stocks soared following the rollout of the Pfizer agreement two weeks ago.

Read more on Barron's

There is an opportunity for America to rebuild and invest in its ability to manufacture lifesaving pharma ingredients and avoid supply-chain challenges and the risk of shortages of essential drugs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal