Biotech companies have revolutionized the future of life sciences for many years, developing innovative solutions to improve human life and offer alternatives to healthcare. Explore 50 pioneering biotech companies at the forefront of healthcare and genetics.
The biotechnology industry is vast and diverse. From genetic engineering to innovative healthcare treatments or sustainable alternatives, the biotech field creates opportunities in many areas of research and development. Many new firms have established themselves in the global tech market in the last few decades, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The biotech field has a significant economic impact worldwide. The industry is expected to generate around USD 3,210.71 billion in revenue by 2030, according to reports. More recently, new startups are also joining the biotech game. Below, you can find the top 50 biotech companies in the world.
Widely known as one of the COVID-19 vaccine developers, Moderna is one of the youngest biotech companies on the list. The firm develops mRNA-based medicines, focusing on research areas such as autoimmune, infectious, and cardiovascular diseases. Moderna was founded by Derrick Rossi, Timothy A. Springer, Kenneth R. Chien, Robert S. Langer, and Noubar Afeyan, and has raised around $2 billion in funding.
Novo Nordisk's main focus is developing treatments for hemophilia, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. The biotech company also works with hormone therapies, such as hormone replacement. Novo Nordisk nowadays has 16 production sites in nine different countries. According to the company, they managed to increase their sales by 29% (in Danish kroner) in the first nine months of 2023.
Regeneron is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes medicines for treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, allergies, inflammatory and infectious diseases, and rare diseases. In 2020, Regeneron announced they would research monoclonal antibodies to help fight COVID. Scientist George Yancopoulos and current CEO Leonard Schleifer founded the company.
Illumina researches cancer, microbiology, agrigenomics, and cellular and molecular biology. The company also develops, manufactures, and markets products for the research areas mentioned above. Although US-based, Illumina also has offices located in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands and France. The company offers services in more than 155 countries.
This company does research in the area of immunotherapies to treat cancer, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. BioNTech also has experience optimizing mRNA research and was responsible for creating the first approved mRNA vaccine. The firm partnered up with Pfizer in 2020 to develop the first vaccine against COVID-19.
Asimov is a biotech company focused on genetic design and engineered biology. The company uses machine learning and computer-aided design tools to program living cells. Asimov also uses genetic engineering to develop therapeutics like gene therapies. In February 2023, the company announced $200 million in new funding to scale its gene and cell therapy tools.
The biopharmaceutical invests in innovating, developing, and commercializing drug treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, and other serious diseases. Vertex has offices in Boston and London. According to the company's reports, their net product revenue in the last quarter of 2023 increased 26% to $985 million outside the US compared to the second quarter of 2022.
Thermo Fisher Scientific provides pharmaceutical services and solutions for drug development. The goal of the biotech firm is to create opportunities and enable research for other (biotech) companies committed to life sciences research, patient health, diagnosis, therapy treatments, drug development, and others. Thermo Fisher offers innovative technologies and pharmaceutical services.
Grail is committed to cancer research and detecting the disease in earlier stages. Through population-scale clinical trials and studies, the company develops screening tests for people who don’t yet have symptoms. Detecting cancer in the early stages can help to cure the disease more easily. Grail is one of the youngest firms on the list.
The company invests in the creation and commercialization of medications to help on the treatment of narcolepsy, psychiatry, oncology, and pain management. Jazz Pharmaceuticals is currently investing in creating medication for patients with solid tumors and other hematologic malignancies. The company has medications available in over 75 countries.
Amgen is focused on developing treatments for illnesses such as cancer, asthma, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and others. The company's research for medicine addresses diseases that have more limited options or as an alternative to other similar medications. Amgen is one of the world's top 10 largest medical biotechnology companies.
The scientific software company develops computational tools that empower drug research and development. Using software, Schrödinger helps scientists and companies accelerate and reduce the costs of their research processes. The firm often collaborates with companies in electronics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Incyte is a biopharmaceutical company focused primarily on developing and marketing small-molecule drugs for cancer treatments. The company also develops and commercializes drug therapies, such as Jakafi, used to treat myelofibrosis. Founded in 2002, Incyte has headquarters in the US and Europe.
The Australian company also researches, creates, and commercializes medical products used to treat and prevent medical conditions and diseases such as hemophilia, vaccines, and immunity issues. This year, CSL has a new CEO, engineer, and researcher, Paul Mckenzie.
Located in Massachusetts, the pharmaceutical company focuses its research in the health area, such as gastroenterology, oncology, neuroscience, vaccines, and rare diseases. However, one of the company’s main drugs is used in the treatment of diabetes. Takeda is one of the oldest firms on the list, with more than 200 years behind it.
Known as one of the COVID-19 vaccine creators, Novavax is a biotech firm specializing in developing vaccines against infectious diseases. According to Reuters, since the production and development of the COVID-19 vaccine, the company expects the market for COVID-19 shots to be between 30 and 50 million doses.
The biopharmaceutical firm is committed to the research and development of antiviral drugs. Gilead focuses on creating medications to combat or treat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, Hepatitis, influenza, and others. Gilead Sciences was founded by medical doctor Michael L. Riordan.
Viome is a biotechnology company focused on diagnostics and treatment of chronic diseases. The platform helps clients prevent diseases and offers personalized health recommendations to treat diseases. Through an AI platform, the company also focuses on illness prediction, early diagnosis, and treatment solutions for customers.
Vir is an immunology biotech company specialized in the prevention and treatment for infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and hepatitis. In 2023, Vir BioTech was ranked first place for the second year in a row as the fastest-growing tech company in North America by the Deloitte Technology Fast 500.
Atomwise is a pharmaceutical company that develops technology and tools to discover small-molecule drugs. The firm uses AI to facilitate drug discovery, accelerating medicine development. Currently, Abraham Heifets is tAtomwise’s CEO and one of the company’s co-founders.
The Biotech company specializes in providing services for genetic testing. Invitae’s products can have applications in medical research, such as in the areas of pathology, oncology, pediatrics, and reproductive health. The company was founded 13 years ago as a subsidiary of Genomic Health but spun off in 2012.
BioMarin Pharmaceuticals specializes in developing treatments for genetic disorders. The company focuses on enzyme replacement therapy research. BioMarin develops and commercializes therapies to address genetic issues such as phenylketonuria and achondroplasia. In the third quarter of 2023, BioMarin announced an increase of 15% compared to last year, totaling a revenue of $581.3 million.
Daiichi Sankyo is the second-largest pharmaceutical company in Japan. The company does research and development of a variety of drugs to address several medical needs, such as treatment and prevention of diseases, as well as the reduction of medical costs.
Variant Bio focuses on research for genetic disorders, as well as drug discovery and development. The company specializes in molecular biology, spanning genetics and anthropology. Variant Bio often does its research with globally underrepresented populations, developing therapies to improve global health.
The Chinese biopharmaceutical company develops, manufactures, and distributes drug packaging materials and medication for cancer, cardiovascular problems, painkillers, antibiotics, and novel pharmaceutical products. The company also focuses on the research and development of medicine for autoimmune diseases, surgery medications, and others.
Known for being one of the companies that developed a vaccine against COVID-19, together with BioNtech. Pfizer also develops medicine for cardiovascular, endocrinological, and neurological problems and diseases. The company also creates and manufactures vaccines. The company was founded in the late 40’s by German entrepreneurs Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart.
Johnson & Johnson is also known for having developed a vaccine against COVID-19. The pharmaceutical company is also known for developing healthcare products for skin, hair, and personal hygiene. The company also commercializes prescription drugs and implants for surgical procedures. Johnson & Johnson was founded in 1886 in New Jersey, US.
Benchling is a biotech company that facilitates scientific research and development in different organizations. The firm offers cloud-based software used to store and standardize scientific data. With that, customers have easy access to track and report data. Benchling’s software can be applied to medical research, such as gene therapy, vaccines, antibodies, and cell therapy.
Eli Lilly & Company’s focus currently is on developing and researching drugs, mostly antidepressants, antipsychotics, and also medication to treat diabetes. The Biopharmaceutical was the first to mass produce the vaccine against poliomyelitis. Eli Lilly is globally ranked as the number one largest biotech company by market cap.
Chugai is a Japanese pharmaceutical company founded in 1925 in Tokyo. The company focuses on developing, researching, and manufacturing prescription drugs, mainly in hematology, neuroscience, ophthalmology, oncology, and immunology. Chugai Pharmaceutical is also among the top 20 largest biotech companies in the world by market cap.
Charles River Laboratories provides services for the life sciences industry. The company is specialized in pre-clinical and clinical laboratory services and offers services that facilitate drug and therapy developments. Research models, manufacturing support, and outsourcing animals for biopharmaceutical research are among the offered services.
Abbott Laboratories is a healthcare company specializing in diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. They develop a wide range of products, such as rapid COVID-19 tests, nutritional supplements, cardiovascular devices, diabetes care, and others. The company was founded by physician Dr. Wallace C. Abbott, who produced, formulated, and researched medications with the goal of helping patients.
Biogen is a biotechnology company specializing in developing therapies for immunology and neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and spinal muscular atrophy. Biogen is in the top 30 of the largest biotech companies in the world by market cap.
Merck & Co. is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on research-driven health solutions for people and animals. Their portfolio includes oncology, infectious diseases, prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products, addressing a wide range of medical needs.
The pharmaceutical firm is known for its specialization in immunology and oncology research. AbbVie also develops and markets therapies with the goal of autoimmune diseases and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, Crohn’s, psoriasis, and other chronic inflammatory diseases. The company is currently the 5th largest biotech company in the world by market cap.
Lonza is a Swiss multinational specializing in manufacturing products and services for different sectors. Those include pharmaceuticals, biotech, and specialty ingredients markets, supporting research, development, and manufacturing processes globally. Currently, it occupies the 31st position amongst the largest biotech firms worldwide, ranked by market cap.
Flatiron Health is a healthcare technology company that focuses on improving and finding solutions for cancer treatment. The health tech firm develops software and data solutions to enhance oncology research and offer better patient care, connecting stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem.
Roche is a Swiss biotech healthcare company focusing on pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. They research and develop drugs and diagnostics for areas including oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, and more alternatives in personalized healthcare. Roche is the world’s 6th largest company in the biotech field by market cap.
Imagen Technologies is a medical imaging company specializing in developing software solutions for radiology and cardiology. Their technology facilitates the storage, analysis, and sharing of medical images, improving accessibility to diagnostic care. Imagen is based in New York.
Samsung Biologics is a South Korean biopharmaceutical company. They provide contract development, laboratory testing and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical products, supporting the production of monoclonal antibodies and other biologics. The company is ranked as the 25th largest biotech in the world, ranked by market cap.
CancerIQ is a Chicago-based healthcare technology company focusing on cancer risk assessment and management. Their platform integrates genetic data to identify individuals at high risk for hereditary cancers, enabling prevention and identifying patients eligible for testing.
Novartis is a Swiss pharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, and production of a wide range of healthcare products. Addressing diverse medical needs, they manufacture pharmaceuticals, such as painkillers, vaccines, and other generic medications. The firm was founded in 2018.
Beigene is a company that focuses and specializes in discovering, developing, and marketing innovative oncology drugs to improve cancer treatment options. Beigene is a biotechnology company based in China, founded in 2010 by Xiaodong Wang and CEO John V. Oyler. They also have offices in North America, Europe and Australia.
Agilent Technologies is a life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical company. The company was founded in 1999 and is located in California, US. They provide instruments, services, software, and other tools for laboratories worldwide, supporting scientific research, diagnostics, and chemical analysis.
Located in California, in the US, BridgeBio was founded in 2015. The biopharmaceutical company is dedicated to developing genetically targeted therapies. BridgeBio focuses mainly on rare diseases, genetically driven cancers, and other illnesses caused by genetic mutation.
Founded in 1997, Seagen is a biotechnology company focused on developing, producing, and commercializing antibody-based cancer therapies. They are located in Washington, US, and specialize in targeted antibody-drug conjugates, contributing to advancements in oncology treatments.
Founded in 1983, Sun Pharmaceuticals is an Indian pharmaceutical company that manufactures and markets generic and branded pharmaceutical products globally. The company caters to diverse therapeutic treatments, such as chronic and acute therapy. The firm is among the top 30 largest biotech companies in the world.
Neurocern is a healthcare technology company specializing in developing solutions for neurodegenerative diseases, such as different types of dementia. They provide tools like neuroinformatics for personalized care management and data analytics in the field of neurology.
Natera is a biotech company based in Texas, US. Their focus is on diagnosis, and they offer services such as non-invasive prenatal testing, preimplantation genetic testing, oncology testing, and cancer care management. Natera was founded in 2004.
Based in Michigan, US, Strata Oncology is a company specializing in comprehensive tumor profiling services to identify personalized treatment options for cancer patients. The company provides genomic profiling tests in order to identify smaller tumor tissues and find solutions for treatment in patients with advanced tumors. Strata Oncology was founded in 2016.
The use of technology to improve areas such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, treatments, research, manufacturing, and development has only grown in the last decades. The biotech world presents infinite alternatives to life science and innovation. Besides having a great economic impact on the global market, the biotech industry provides various opportunities to improve life sciences.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, several companies partnered and developed research and treatments to combat the virus. Biotech companies are here to stay and revolutionize healthcare and quality of life. More recently, biotech startups have started entering the market. Although not yet established as big pharmaceutical companies, the number of startups are rising and standing out in the global market. You can find out more about that in the article.
