With the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, biotechnology firms have taken the center stage in the pharmaceutical space. The biotech firms across the globe have helped the world face the COVID-19 head-on by developing diagnostic tests and vaccines in record time.

Lately, various novel advances have been witnessed in the domain, including the use of AI platforms in drug development, emergence of RNA-based therapies and single-cell genomics, as well as bio-based manufacturing. These developments have made it possible for the companies to advance their drug development and commercialization efforts, specifically in the disease areas with high unmet need. In this blog, we have looked at the top 10 biotechnology companies in the US as measured by 12-month trailing (TTM) (as of March 25, 2020). We also look at the key products in their product portfolio and therapy areas of focus.

1) Novo Nordisk

Revenue (TTM): USD 18.3 billion

Net Income (TTM): USD 5.8 billion

Novo Nordisk is a multinational biotech company, headquartered in Denmark, which markets its products in over 160 countries. The company’s primary focus area is diabetes. It has established a total of 16 production facilities based across nine countries. In addition, the firm has 10 R&D centers spread across five countries. The company is also involved in the development and commercialization of products for hemophilia and rare bleeding disorders, growth hormone deficiency, and obesity. It has several commercialized products in biotechnology and its portfolio, including Levemir, Novolin R, NovoLog, NovoSeven, NovoEight, and Victoza.

2) Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Revenue (TTM): USD 7.9 billion

Net Income (TTM): USD 2.1 billion

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is involved in the discovery, development, manufacture and commercialization of biopharmaceutical products. Regeneron’s therapeutic focus includes eye disorders, cardiovascular diseases, allergic and inflammatory issues, cancer and infectious disorders. It has partnered with various pharmaceutical giants, including Sanofi, Bayer, Roche and Teva Pharmaceuticals to develop and market groundbreaking products. The company has also established a Regeneron Genetics Center, which aims to conduct one of the largest gene sequencing experiments.

3) Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Revenue (TTM): USD 5.0 billion

Net Income (TTM): USD 2.4 billion

Alexion is a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant, AstraZeneca, which is specifically focused on development of therapies for rare disorders. The company has 5 marketed products for patients suffering from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG), hypophosphatasia (HPP), and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D). Through its drug candidates, Alexion aims to develop drug compounds that selectively target certain areas of the immune system responsible for proliferation of the disease.

4) Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Revenue (TTM): USD 4.2 billion

Net Income (TTM): USD 1.2 billion

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on development of transformative therapies for people with serious diseases. The firm has several approved products for the treatment of cystic fibrosis -a rare, life-threatening genetic disease. The company was founded in 1989 and its international headquarters are located in London. Further, the company has R&D sites and commercial offices based across North America, Europe, Australia and Latin America. In addition to cystic fibrosis, the company focuses on developing drugs for other cancerous indications, autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders.

5) Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Revenue (TTM): USD 2.2 billion

Net Income (TTM): USD 0.5 billion

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is based out of Ireland, with a focus on development of novel product candidates in two key therapeutic areas- neuroscience and oncology. It has various commercialized products in its portfolio for the treatment of narcolepsy, psychiatry, pain management and oncology. In addition, the company claims to be an industry leader in the field of biotechnology, sleep disorders, epilepsy, hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The company aims to leverage cannabinoid science and innovative delivery technologies to develop novel compounds.

6) Incyte Corporation

Revenue (TTM): USD 2.2 billion

Net Income (TTM): USD 0.5 billion

Incyte is a biopharmaceutical firm responsible for discovering, developing, and commercializing biological therapies. The company has an approved drug candidate, Jakafi, indicated for the treatment of myelofibrosis. The company has a growing pipeline across two therapy areas- Oncology and Inflammation & Autoimmunity.

7) Biomarin Pharmaceutical

Revenue (TTM): USD 1.7 billion

Founded in 1997, BioMarin is a leader in development and commercialization of best-in-class therapies for rare genetic diseases. Biomarin Pharmaceutical has developed various therapeutic enzyme products for lysosomal storage diseases and serious burn injuries. The company’s approved products include PALYNZIQ, Brineura, Vimizim, Kuvan, Naglazyme and Aldurazyme.

8) United Therapeutics

Revenue (TTM): USD 1.4 billion

United Therapeutics is engaged in the development of therapies for pulmonary hypertension, peripheral vascular disease and other vascular conditions. The company’s main focus is the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies and building technologies for easier availability of transplantable organs. The firm’s most popular drugs include Remodulin, Orenitram, Unituxin, and Tyvaso.

9) Alkermes

Revenue (TTM): USD 1.2 billion

Alkermes, an Irish biopharmaceutical company is focused on the development of drug treatments for central nervous system disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia and addiction. In addition, the company is engaged in the development of therapies for diabetes treatment.

10) Ionis Pharmaceuticals

Revenue (TTM): USD 1.1 billion

Net Income (TTM): USD 0.3 billion

Ionis Pharmaceuticals is involved in the discovery and development of RNA-based therapeutic products. It has three major commercially-available drugs, including WAYLIVRA, Spinraza and Tegsedi. Further, the company is engaged in the development of drug treatments for Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cardiovascular disease.