Category: Pharmaceutical industry

In a July 2024 announcement, pharmaceutical company Indivior revealed it would cease promoting and selling its schizophrenia medication, Perseris. This decision, driven by market pressures and financial viability concerns rather than any safety or efficacy issues, left many asking: **why was Perseris discontinued**?

AbbVie's Humira has generated approximately $240 billion in revenue since its launch, making it the highest-grossing drug of all time [1.4.3]. However, the title of 'fastest-selling' is more complex, pitting launch speed against total lifetime sales.

The global pharmaceutical market was valued at approximately $1.65 trillion in 2024 [1.8.1, 1.8.3]. While dominated by publicly traded giants, the answer to 'What is the largest privately owned pharmaceutical company?' is the German-based Boehringer Ingelheim, with 2024 revenues of €26.8 billion [1.3.1, 1.3.5].

Delivering over 10 million items per week to more than 14,000 locations, AAH is the UK's leading pharmaceutical and healthcare products distributor. So, what do AAH pharmaceuticals do beyond simple delivery? They form the logistical backbone of the nation's healthcare system.

Handling about 20% of all pharmaceuticals sold in the United States, Cencora is a pivotal force in the healthcare supply chain. So, a better question than 'What drugs does Cencora make?' is 'What drugs does Cencora *distribute*?'

While medical contexts may use FND to mean Functional Neurological Disorder, in the pharmaceutical industry, the full form of FND almost always refers to Formulation and Development. This department is a crucial part of the drug-making process, turning an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) into a stable, effective, and patient-friendly final product.

Originally developed by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, the medication riociguat (brand name Adempas) is now part of a global collaboration involving both Bayer and Merck (known as MSD outside the US). This partnership governs the development and commercialization of this important treatment for specific forms of pulmonary hypertension.

In 2010, Pfizer announced its acquisition of King Pharmaceuticals for $3.6 billion, a deal which included King's subsidiary, Monarch Pharmaceuticals [1.4.9, 1.5.3]. When asking 'What is a monarch drug?', the answer usually points to a legacy product from this company, though the term also has an entirely different, classical meaning in pharmacology.

While the name AstraZeneca might evoke associations with its high-profile COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic, the company's identity is shaped by a long history of blockbuster drugs. Today, the answer to what drug is AstraZeneca known for depends heavily on whether one recalls its older legacy treatments or recognizes its most recent top sellers in oncology and cardiometabolic care.

With the US market alone accounting for a significant share of the oral solid dosage pharmaceutical market, understanding common industry terms is crucial. In the pharmaceutical world, OSD means Oral Solid Dosage, and it is a term used for a wide range of medications, including tablets and capsules. This guide will explore what OSD entails, its key benefits, and how these vital drug forms are created.