With the global market for generic drugs expected to reach USD 36.4 billion by 2027 and grow at a CAGR of 5.6 percent over the period 2020-2027, it is not surprising that a number of generics producers continue to rank among the world’s top pharma companies. A look at the top 5 generics companies from Pharma Exec’s 2022 Top 50 Companies.
1. Viatris
Rx Sales: USD 17.508 billion
Formed in 2020 through the combination of generics heavyweights Mylan and Upjohn, Viatris stands as the global generics leader. Yet the company is looking to move away from its legacy and become much more than a generics manufacturer. Late last year Viatris sold its biosimilar franchise to Biocon for USD 3.3 billion and is now focused on three specific areas: gastrointestinal diseases, ophthalmology and dermatology. Within this new focus, the firm has bought eye care specialists Oyster Point Pharma and Famy Life Sciences.
2. Teva
Rx Sales: USD 19.468 billion
Coming in at number two is Israeli giant, Teva. After turbulent times that involved getting over major debt and paying out a US opioid settlement, the company continues to see slipping revenues. Newly appointed CEO Richard Francis still has his work cut out for him as global sales have declined and Teva generated USD 14.93 billion in 2022, a 6 percent decline from USD 15.88 billion in 2021. The company is betting on the rising sales of its Austedo, approved for Tardive dyskinesia and chorea from Huntington’s disease, which grew by 22 percent in 2022, and its migraine prevention drug Ajovy.
3. Organon
Rx Sales: USD 6.172 billion
Focused on women’s health, third-place Organon was created through a spinoff from Merck in 2021. Since then, the company has sought partnerships and acquisitions to strengthen its core contraceptive and fertility offerings. Initial acquisitions include biotech device maker Alydia with its postpartum haemorrhage product and Forendo Pharma and Forendo Pharma, a Finnish company that targets endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Beyond women’s health, Organon is also centring its efforts on biosimilars and established brands.
4. Sun Pharma
Rx Sales: USD 5.091 billion
Indian generics heavy hitter founded in 1983, Sun Pharma, comes in at number 4. The company reports global revenues of over USD 5.1 billion although it had to face a number of quality control issues during 2022. After major product recalls and the FDA inspection of its manufacturing facility in Gujarat that found a number of objectionable conditions, Sun has again found itself at the centre of a widespread recall. The company has been forced to recall over 34,000 bottles of generic diltiazem hydrochloride high blood pressure treatment because of failed stability and dissolution testing. Apart from addressing these challenges, Sun has been busy entering into an agreement to acquire Concert Pharmaceuticals, which will be completed in 2023 and will bring deuruxolitinib for treating Alopecia Areata to Sun’s offering in dermatology.
5. Bausch Health
Rx Sales: USD 4.924 billion
The number 5 position goes to Canada-based Bausch Health, formerly known as Valeant, which reports USD 8.4 billion in revenues in 2022. Having recovered from the issues that plagued Valeant —investigations for price hiking of several single-source drugs— since its name change in 2018, Bausch Health is focused on eye care, gastroenterology and dermatology products. In 2022, the company manoeuvred a spinout of its Bausch + Lomb eyecare unit, brought a new CEO onboard and sold off Egypt-based Amoun Pharmaceutical.
This is not an exhaustive list and the companies listed may also have innovative portfolios beyond their generics capabilities. The ranking is based on total revenues not only from the generics business, from 2022’s Pharma Exec Top 50 Companies.
