TOP PHARMACEUTICALS BY REVENUES IN 2025 (EXPECTED)
Sl No | Brand | Indications | Expected Revenues |
1 | Keytruda |
| $31 billion |
2 | Ozempic |
| $21 billion |
3 | Dupixent |
| |
4 | Mounjaro |
| $14 billion |
5 | Skyrizi |
| |
6 | Eliquis |
| |
7 | Biktarvy |
| |
8 | Wegovy |
| ~$12 billion |
9 | Darzalex |
| |
10 | Zepbound |
| ~$ 11 billion |
Sales forecasts were obtained from different websites and analyst reports
Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Keytruda is the most widely utilized cancer immunotherapy globally, securing 40 approvals since its initial launch in 2014. In 2023, the drug contributed $25 billion to Merck's total revenue of $54 billion (pharmaceutical segment), making it the top-selling medication worldwide.
Projections indicate that Keytruda's revenue will surpass $30 billion, maintaining its position at the top. However, Keytruda's loss of exclusivity (LoE) in 2028 has prompted Merck to accelerate efforts to identify a successor to this blockbuster therapy. Despite successfully developing the leading drug, Merck faces challenges in finding a suitable replacement.
To extend Keytruda's market exclusivity, Merck is developing a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) formulation of the drug, which is currently administered intravenously. This new version could provide Merck with a competitive advantage over potential generic IV Keytruda products that may enter the market after the 2028 patent expiration.
Mechanism of Action:Keytruda is a PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) inhibitor. It works by blocking PD-1, a receptor on T-cells that downregulates the immune response, thereby allowing the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells more effectively. This mechanism enhances the body's ability to combat tumors that evade immune surveillance.
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Ozempic has become a significant driver of growth for Novo Nordisk, with global sales surging by more than 60% in the past year. In the United States, one of the company's largest markets, prescriptions for Ozempic and similar medications have quadrupled between 2020 and 2022. Despite these impressive sales figures, demand remains so high that the U.S. has experienced ongoing shortages of Ozempic for much of the past few years.
Some reports indicate that Denmark’s economy heavily benefits from the revenues generated by Ozempic and Wegovy.
Mechanism of Action:Ozempic is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that mimics the natural hormone GLP-1 to stimulate insulin secretion, reduce glucagon release, and slow gastric emptying. This combination helps lower blood sugar levels and contributes to weight loss.
Dupixent (dupilumab)
Dupixent, the anti-inflammatory drug developed in partnership by Sanofi and Regeneron, has been a key growth driver for the company. Sanofi has been working to expand its applications to treat additional conditions.
Initially approved for atopic dermatitis in 2017, Dupixent, which targets interleukin 4 and interleukin 13 to address skin and asthma-related immunological issues, achieved record sales in the second quarter this year. The drug also has several major potential approvals on the horizon.
With its approval for COPD, Dupixent is projected to see a substantial increase in revenue by 2025.
Mechanism of Action:Dupixent is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, key drivers of Type 2 inflammation. This mechanism is crucial in treating conditions like atopic dermatitis, asthma, and eosinophilic esophagitis.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mechanism of Action:Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist. By activating both receptors, Mounjaro enhances insulin secretion, reduces glucagon levels, and promotes significant weight loss.
Skyrizi (risankizumab)
Skyrizi, first approved by the FDA in 2019, generated $7.7 billion in revenue in 2023—a 50% increase from the previous year. AbbVie successfully positioned Skyrizi and Rinvoq as alternatives to its blockbuster drug, Humira. By the third quarter of 2024, combined revenues had reached $8 billion, reflecting a remarkable 48% growth compared to 2023. Skyrizi is projected to surpass $11 billion in revenue by the end of 2024.
Sales of Skyrizi are expected to peak at $19.7 billion in 2030, coming within a few billion dollars of Humira’s peak performance. Rinvoq’s revenue is forecast to reach $12.3 billion by the end of the decade, with the two drugs collectively projected to bring in around $32 billion.
Mechanism of Action:Skyrizi is an IL-23 inhibitor that blocks the p19 subunit of IL-23, a cytokine involved in inflammatory pathways. This mechanism specifically targets pathways relevant to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease.
Eliquis (apixaban)
Mechanism of Action:Eliquis is a direct factor Xa inhibitor that prevents thrombin formation, reducing clotting risk. This anticoagulant is used to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation and treat venous thromboembolism.
Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)
Mechanism of Action:Biktarvy combines an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (bictegravir) with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (emtricitabine and tenofovir). This triple-action regimen blocks viral replication at multiple points.
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Mechanism of Action:Wegovy, like Ozempic, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It focuses on appetite regulation and energy balance, leading to significant weight loss in obese and overweight patients.
Darzalex (daratumumab)
Darzalex, initially approved in 2015 for multiple myeloma, is Johnson & Johnson's best-selling drug. It generated $8.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024 and is expected to surpass $11 billion.
Darzalex saw significant growth in 2020 with the introduction of Darzalex Faspro – a subcutaneous formulation that enables patients to receive treatment within minutes, a stark contrast to the hours required for the earlier intravenous version. Johnson & Johnson reported that 85% of patients on Darzalex had transitioned to using the Faspro version.
Mechanism of Action:Darzalex is a CD38 monoclonal antibody that induces direct tumor cell death and enhances immune-mediated destruction of multiple myeloma cells.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Lilly currently holds approximately 40% of the weight loss market with Zepbound and is actively working to solidify its leadership in the industry for the long term.
Mechanism of Action:Zepbound, like Mounjaro, is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. It targets metabolic pathways to regulate blood sugar and reduce body weight.
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