GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Pharmacy Industry Statistics

The pharmacy industry statistics reflect a growing demand for pharmaceutical products and services driven by factors such as an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in healthcare technology.

Highlights: Pharmacy Industry Statistics

  • The global pharmaceuticals market was worth $934.8 billion in 2017 and will reach $1170 billion in 2021, growing at 5.8%.
  • The U.S. holds over 45% of the global pharmaceutical market.
  • Generic drugs account for about 90% of the U.S. prescription drug market.
  • Prescription sales within pharmacies and drug stores in the United States were estimated to generate around $275.87 billion in 2019.
  • In 2018, total drug spending in the U.S. amounted to about 360.3 billion U.S. dollars.
  • Global cancer therapeutics market will surge to nearly $176.5 billion by 2025.
  • Major pharmaceuticals companies' average expenditure on research and development was 21.9% of total revenues in 2018.
  • The global biosimilars market is expected to reach $23.63 billion by 2023.
  • More than 130 prescription medications on the market today originate from plant sources.
  • The global vaccines market was valued at $32.46 billion in 2019.
  • Approximately 1.3 million people are injured annually in the United States following so-called "medication errors".
  • The compounded annual growth rate of the global e-pharmacy market is 16.19% (2019–2024).
  • The pharmaceutical industry invests as much as $171.2 billion in R&D per year.
  • Global pharmaceutical industry spending on research and development reached $182 billion in 2019.
  • It takes an average of 12 years for a drug to travel from the research lab to the patient.
  • Only 5 in 5,000 drugs that enter preclinical testing progress to human testing.
  • The Telepharmacy market size was valued at over USD 30 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 20.9% over 2021-2026.
  • The top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the global market had combined revenues of $413.5 billion in 2019.

Table of Contents

The pharmacy industry plays a crucial role in healthcare, providing essential medications and services to individuals around the world. Understanding the latest statistics and trends within this dynamic field is essential for stakeholders looking to make informed decisions and drive innovation. In this blog post, we will delve into key pharmacy industry statistics, uncovering insights that shed light on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of pharmaceuticals.

The Latest Pharmacy Industry Statistics Explained

The global pharmaceuticals market was worth $934.8 billion in 2017 and will reach $1170 billion in 2021, growing at 5.8%.

The statistic indicates that the global pharmaceuticals market experienced substantial growth between 2017 and 2021, increasing from $934.8 billion to $1170 billion. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%, reflecting a positive trend in the industry. The rise in market value suggests increased demand for pharmaceutical products worldwide, potentially driven by factors such as an aging population, technological advancements, and rising health awareness. The pharmaceuticals market is a significant sector with continuous expansion, indicating opportunities for further development and innovation within the industry.

The U.S. holds over 45% of the global pharmaceutical market.

The statistic stating that the U.S. holds over 45% of the global pharmaceutical market indicates that the United States plays a dominant role in the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. This statistic suggests that the U.S. pharmaceutical companies have a significant market share compared to other countries, highlighting the country’s innovation, research, and development capabilities in the pharmaceutical sector. With such a large market presence, the U.S. pharmaceutical industry likely exerts substantial influence on global healthcare trends, drug availability, and pricing. This statistic underscores the importance of the U.S. pharmaceutical market in driving advancements in healthcare and pharmaceutical products on a global scale.

Generic drugs account for about 90% of the U.S. prescription drug market.

The statistic that generic drugs account for about 90% of the U.S. prescription drug market indicates that a significant majority of prescribed medications in the United States are generic rather than brand-name drugs. This demonstrates a widespread preference and reliance on lower-cost generic alternatives among healthcare providers and patients. Generic drugs typically offer the same active ingredients and therapeutic effects as their brand-name counterparts but at a lower price, making them more accessible and affordable to a larger portion of the population. The high market share of generic drugs also suggests that healthcare systems and policies in the U.S. may prioritize cost-effectiveness and affordability in providing essential medications to the population.

Prescription sales within pharmacies and drug stores in the United States were estimated to generate around $275.87 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that sales of prescription medications within pharmacies and drug stores in the United States reached approximately $275.87 billion in 2019. This figure represents the total revenue generated from the sale of prescription drugs at retail locations across the country during that year. The significant amount underscores the substantial demand for medications and the critical role that pharmacies and drug stores play in providing access to essential healthcare products for the population. This statistic also highlights the economic importance of the pharmaceutical industry within the United States, demonstrating the significant financial impact of prescription drug sales on the healthcare sector and the overall economy.

In 2018, total drug spending in the U.S. amounted to about 360.3 billion U.S. dollars.

In 2018, total drug spending in the U.S. reached approximately 360.3 billion U.S. dollars, indicating a significant financial expenditure on pharmaceutical products within the country. This statistic encompasses spending on prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and other related healthcare products. The high level of drug spending reflects the importance of pharmaceuticals in the American healthcare system, showcasing the substantial investment made by individuals, insurers, and the government to access necessary medications. Analyzing this statistic provides insights into healthcare priorities, trends in drug availability and pricing, as well as the economic impact of pharmaceutical expenditures on both individual consumers and the healthcare industry as a whole.

Global cancer therapeutics market will surge to nearly $176.5 billion by 2025.

The statistic suggests that the global cancer therapeutics market is projected to experience substantial growth and reach a value of almost $176.5 billion by the year 2025. This growth indicates a significant increase in the demand and investment in cancer treatment options and pharmaceuticals around the world. Factors such as an aging population, advancements in technology, and an increasing prevalence of cancer cases contribute to the projected surge in the market size. The statistic highlights the importance of addressing the rising burden of cancer and the potential opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers to develop and offer innovative and effective cancer therapies to meet the growing needs of patients globally.

Major pharmaceuticals companies’ average expenditure on research and development was 21.9% of total revenues in 2018.

The statistic ‘Major pharmaceuticals companies’ average expenditure on research and development was 21.9% of total revenues in 2018′ indicates that these large pharmaceutical companies, on average, dedicated approximately 21.9% of their total revenues towards research and development activities in the year 2018. This metric serves as an important indicator of the companies’ investment in innovation and the development of new drugs and treatments. A higher percentage spent on research and development may suggest that these companies are actively focusing on advancing their pipelines, which can potentially lead to the discovery of new therapies and medicines in the future. Overall, this statistic highlights the significant resources that pharmaceutical companies allocate towards driving scientific progress and improving healthcare outcomes.

The global biosimilars market is expected to reach $23.63 billion by 2023.

The statistic indicates that the global biosimilars market is projected to grow significantly and reach a value of $23.63 billion by the year 2023. Biosimilars are biological products that are highly similar to existing FDA-approved biologic medications, offering a more cost-effective alternative. The increasing demand for biosimilars is driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, patent expiries of major biologic drugs, and the need to reduce healthcare costs. This growth forecast suggests a promising outlook for the biosimilars industry, highlighting the potential for increased competition, innovation, and access to more affordable treatment options for patients worldwide.

More than 130 prescription medications on the market today originate from plant sources.

The statistic that more than 130 prescription medications on the market today originate from plant sources underscores the significant contribution of plants to modern medicine. Pharmaceutical companies have long been exploring and harnessing the bioactive compounds found in various plants to develop drugs for treating a wide range of health conditions. These plant-based medications offer a natural and potentially less harmful alternative to synthetic drugs, often with fewer side effects. This statistic highlights the importance of plant biodiversity and the ongoing need to research and utilize the vast potential of plants for the development of new and effective pharmaceutical treatments.

The global vaccines market was valued at $32.46 billion in 2019.

The statistic that the global vaccines market was valued at $32.46 billion in 2019 reflects the total revenue generated from the sale of vaccines worldwide during that year. This figure serves as a key indicator of the market size and growth within the healthcare industry, specifically in the area of immunization. The value highlights the significant demand for vaccines as a critical component of public health efforts to prevent and control infectious diseases. It also signifies the high level of investment and research undertaken by pharmaceutical companies and governments to develop and distribute vaccines on a global scale, demonstrating the importance placed on immunization as a cornerstone of healthcare systems worldwide.

Approximately 1.3 million people are injured annually in the United States following so-called “medication errors”.

The statistic stating that approximately 1.3 million people are injured annually in the United States due to “medication errors” reflects the significant impact of mistakes in medication administration on public health. Medication errors can occur at various points in the healthcare system, including prescribing, dispensing, and administering medications. These errors can lead to adverse drug events, ranging from minor side effects to severe harm or even death. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach involving healthcare providers, pharmacists, patients, and other stakeholders to improve medication management processes, enhance communication, provide education and training, and implement technology solutions to minimize the occurrence of medication errors and improve patient safety.

The compounded annual growth rate of the global e-pharmacy market is 16.19% (2019–2024).

The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of the global e-pharmacy market at 16.19% for the period of 2019 to 2024 indicates the average annual growth rate of the market over this five-year period, taking into account the compounding effect. This figure signifies the steady expansion and increasing value of the e-pharmacy sector on a global scale. A CAGR of 16.19% suggests a significant growth trend, meaning the market is projected to more than double in size within this timeframe. This statistic reflects a positive outlook for the e-pharmacy industry, signaling opportunities for market players and investors, as well as the potential for continued innovation and adoption of online pharmacy services worldwide.

The pharmaceutical industry invests as much as $171.2 billion in R&D per year.

The statistic that the pharmaceutical industry invests as much as $171.2 billion in research and development (R&D) per year highlights the substantial financial commitment the industry makes towards developing new drugs and treatments. This investment is crucial for driving innovation, conducting crucial clinical trials, and ultimately bringing new medications to market. By allocating significant resources to R&D, pharmaceutical companies can discover novel therapies, improve existing treatments, and address unmet medical needs. The sizable financial investment also reflects the complexity and high costs associated with developing and obtaining regulatory approval for new pharmaceutical products. Ultimately, the significant R&D spending underscores the pharmaceutical industry’s dedication to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

Global pharmaceutical industry spending on research and development reached $182 billion in 2019.

The statistic that global pharmaceutical industry spending on research and development reached $182 billion in 2019 indicates the significant financial investment made by pharmaceutical companies towards the innovation and development of new drugs and medical products. This substantial expenditure underscores the industry’s commitment to advancing healthcare by conducting research, clinical trials, and investigations into new treatments and therapies. The high level of R&D spending mirrors the competitive nature of the pharmaceutical sector as companies strive to bring new and effective drugs to market, addressing unmet medical needs and improving patient outcomes. The statistic also highlights the importance of continued investment in research and development for driving innovation and progress in the field of healthcare.

It takes an average of 12 years for a drug to travel from the research lab to the patient.

This statistic highlights the extensive timeline that is typically involved in the development and approval process of pharmaceutical drugs. The average of 12 years reflects the significant amount of time and resources required to conduct research, preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and post-market surveillance before a drug can reach the patient. This lengthy timeline is necessary to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of the drug before it can be introduced to the market for patient use. The statistic underscores the complexity of the pharmaceutical industry and the stringent regulatory requirements that govern the drug development process to protect public health and ensure patient safety.

Only 5 in 5,000 drugs that enter preclinical testing progress to human testing.

This statistic suggests that out of 5,000 drugs that initially enter preclinical testing, only a very small proportion, specifically 5, will successfully progress to human testing stages. This low success rate highlights the rigorous screening and evaluation processes that drugs undergo before they can be tested in humans, indicating the stringent criteria and challenges involved in drug development. It also emphasizes the high level of uncertainty and risk associated with drug development, as the vast majority of compounds do not make it past preclinical testing due to various factors such as lack of efficacy or safety concerns. This statistic underscores the significant resources and time required in the early stages of drug development to identify candidates with the potential for human testing and eventual market approval.

The Telepharmacy market size was valued at over USD 30 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 20.9% over 2021-2026.

The statistic indicates that the Telepharmacy market was worth more than USD 30 billion in 2020 and is projected to experience significant growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20.9% between 2021 and 2026. This suggests a strong upward trend in the demand for telepharmacy services, likely driven by factors such as technological advancements, increasing healthcare digitization, and the need for remote access to pharmacy services, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The forecasted growth rate indicates substantial opportunities for market expansion and investment in the telepharmacy sector over the next few years.

The top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the global market had combined revenues of $413.5 billion in 2019.

The statistic “The top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the global market had combined revenues of $413.5 billion in 2019” represents the total sales generated by the largest pharmaceutical companies worldwide during the specified year. This figure is significant as it highlights the financial strength and market dominance of these top players within the pharmaceutical industry. The total revenue of $413.5 billion underscores the scale of operations and the economic impact these companies have on healthcare systems and consumers globally. This statistic provides important insights into the financial performance and market share of the leading pharmaceutical companies, serving as a key metric for analyzing the competitiveness and growth of the industry as a whole.

References

0. – https://www.www.mordorintelligence.com

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.kff.org

3. – https://www.www.thefinancedeck.com

4. – https://www.www.pharmaceutical-technology.com

5. – https://www.www.phrma.org

6. – https://www.www.marketsandmarkets.com

7. – https://www.www.fda.gov

8. – https://www.www.evaluate.com

9. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

10. – https://www.www.pfizer.com

11. – https://www.www.ama-assn.org

12. – https://www.www.cidrap.umn.edu

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!