Towards Healthcare
North America Pharmaceutical Market to Lead USD 1043.48 Bn by 2034

North America Pharmaceutical Market Developments and Growth

Market insights predict the North America pharmaceutical industry will increase from USD 601.17 billion in 2024 to USD 1043.48 billion by 2034, achieving a CAGR of 5.67%. The continued innovations and high healthcare spending in potential pharmaceutical areas related to diabetes, obesity, oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders drive the North American drug market. North America dominated the market in 2024, driven by technological innovations like digital therapeutics, telehealth, and advanced therapies, and robust R&D investments.

Category: Pharmaceuticals Insight Code: 6276 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

North America Pharmaceutical Market Size, Shares and Top Key Players

The North America pharmaceutical market size is calculated at US$ 601.17 billion in 2024, grew to US$ 635.31 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around US$ 1043.48 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 5.67% between 2025 and 2034.

North America Pharmaceutical Market Size 2024 to 2034

The rising aging population, increasing incidence of chronic diseases, and advances in biologics and gene therapy drive the North America pharmaceutical market. Moreover, the market’s growth is accelerated by technological integration, the shift towards personalized medicine, and the growth of generics and biosimilars. The rising R&D costs, stringent regulations, supply chain resilience, and mergers and acquisitions fuel the market’s expansion in North America.

Key Takeaways

  • North America pharmaceutical sector pushed the market to USD 601.17 billion by 2024.
  • Long-term projections show USD 1043.48 billion valuation by 2034.
  • Growth is expected at a steady CAGR of 5.67% in between 2025 to 2034.
  • The U.S. dominated the North America pharmaceutical market in 2024 with a revenue share of approximately 91%.
  • The global pharmaceutical market, valued at US$ 1,573.20 billion in 2023, is projected to reach US$ 3,033.21 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.15% from 2024 to 2034.
  • By product type, the branded small-molecule innovative drugs segment dominated the market in 2024 with a revenue share of approximately 34%.
  • By product type, the specialty medicines/orphan drugs & advanced therapies segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By therapeutic area, the oncology segment dominated the market in 2024 with a revenue share of approximately 28%.
  • By therapeutic area, the rare/orphan & gene therapies segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.
  • By channel/distribution, the retail pharmacies segment dominated the market in 2024 with a revenue share of approximately 45%.
  • By channel/distribution, the other channels segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.
  • By business model/revenue stream, the innovator pharmaceutical sales segment dominated the North America pharmaceutical market in 2024 with a revenue share of approximately 62%.
  • By business model/revenue stream, the specialty pharmacy & hub services segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.
  • By buyer/payer type, the commercial payers/insurers segment dominated the market in 2024 with a revenue share of approximately 48%.
  • By buyer/payer type, the other segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.

Executive Summary Table

Table Scope
Market Size in 2025 USD 635.31 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 1043.48 Billion
CAGR (2025 - 2034) 5.67%
Market Segmentation By Product Type, By Therapeutic Area, By Channel/Distribution, By Business Model/Revenue Stream, By Buyer/Payer Type, By Region
Top Key Players Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Inc., AbbVie Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Amgen Inc., Gilead Sciences, Novartis AG, Roche , Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, Biogen Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Moderna, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical, Bayer, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

What are Pharmaceuticals?

The North America pharmaceutical market comprises prescription medicines (small molecules and biologics), vaccines, OTC medicines, generics and biosimilars, and advanced therapeutics (cell & gene therapy). It includes R&D, clinical development, manufacturing, distribution, and commercialization activities. The region dominated by the U.S. is the world’s largest pharma revenue pool, driven by a high share of specialty/oncology drugs, advanced biologics, strong payer markets, and large clinical-trial activity.

Market Outlook

Advancements in diabetes and obesity medications, expansion of biologics and gene therapy, and the growing demand for monoclonal antibodies led to the massive growth of pharmaceuticals in North America. The continuous mergers and acquisitions, domestic supply chain initiatives, and growth in specialty pharmaceuticals have expanded the North America pharmaceutical market. The novel research on drug types, molecule types, and therapeutic areas is supported by research funding and significant R&D investments.

What is the Role of AI in the North America Pharmaceutical Market?

AI enhances decision-making, improves creativity, and increases the effectiveness of research and clinical trials. AI helps in the production of new tools that benefit patients, doctors, and healthcare regulators. It helps in drug design methods and can identify target proteins. AI reduces the potential health risks related to preclinical studies and lowers healthcare costs. It contributes to precision medicine development and the design of personalized treatment approaches.

  • The recent investments are committed to developing and expanding the new state-of-the-art R&D sites and manufacturing facilities. For instance, in April 2025, Roche announced a USD 50 billion investment in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals in the U.S. over the next five years.
  • The notable investments by the leading companies aim to support the process of API manufacturing across the U.S. For instance, in August 2025, AbbVie announced the investment of $195 million for the expansion of active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing in the U.S.

Product Developers for the FDA and Health Canada and their Consulting Services for Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology in North America

Sr. No. Name of the Company Services
1 Product Life Group (PLG) LLC North America To support biotechnology sponsors and international and domestic pharma for FDA and Health Canada filings.
2 Halloran, a PLG Company To create solutions and strategies through consulting services to bring lifesaving advancements to the market.
3 DSI-DS Inpharmatics To supply senior consultants in CMC, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance, solve drug development issues, and implement solutions

Segmental Insights

How does the Branded small-molecule innovative drugs Segment Dominate the North America Pharmaceutical Market in 2024?

The branded small-molecule innovative drugs segment dominated the market in 2024, with a revenue share of approximately 34%, owing to the rise of biologic therapies and a high rate of novel approvals. The extensive research on small molecules helps researchers to address significant healthcare needs through versatile applications, innovation, and patient care. Certain therapies and newly approved small-molecule drugs can address previously unmet medical needs through novel mechanisms of action.

The specialty medicines/orphan drugs & advanced therapies segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period in the North America pharmaceutical market due to their potential in driving growth and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. They are introducing precision medicine, personalized treatments, and addressing unmet medical needs. The biosimilars are advancing treatment options and reducing costs for healthcare systems.

What made Oncology the Dominant Segment in the Market in 2024?

The oncology segment dominated the market in 2024, with a revenue share of approximately 28%, owing to the rising innovations in immunotherapy, cell-based therapy, advanced targeted therapy, CAR-T cell therapy, etc. The cancer treatments revolve around therapeutic cancer vaccines, bispecific antibodies, and mutational targeting. Certain initiatives driving the North America pharmaceutical market focus on producing affordable and high-quality generics and biosimilars to expand access to cancer care.

The rare/orphan & gene therapies segment is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the predicted timeframe due to the rising adoption of gene and cell-based therapies. The CRISPR-based therapies, gene therapy approvals, and the growing R&D investments are expanding the pharmaceutical pipeline. The new business models and collaborations with regulatory agencies introduce strategic approaches for pharmaceuticals.

How did the Retail Pharmacies Segment Dominate the Market in 2024?

The retail pharmacies segment dominated the North America pharmaceutical market in 2024, with a revenue share of approximately 45%, owing to the expanding pharmaceutical-based services such as medication management, preventative care, point-of-care testing, and treatment. The digital integration, including telepharmacy, remote monitoring, online and omnichannel services, and personalized medicine, has enhanced access to remote healthcare. E-commerce is growing rapidly due to the adoption of omnichannel strategies and efficient home delivery for online orders.

The other channels segment is anticipated to grow at a notable rate in the market during the upcoming period due to combination therapies, enhanced data collection, expanded North America pharmaceutical market access, and pilot programs. The adoption of direct-to-consumer platforms brings convenience and loyalty. These channels can manage complex therapies and support patient advocacy.

Which Segment by Business Model/Revenue Stream Dominated the Market in 2024?

The innovator pharmaceutical sales segment dominated the market in 2024, with a revenue share of approximately 62%, owing to its key role in driving patient-centric engagement and new therapeutic solutions. It is vital in key therapeutic areas like oncology, obesity, diabetes, central nervous system disorders, and rare diseases. The investments in cutting-edge R&D, improved sales models, and global collaborations are enhancing customer experience.

The specialty pharmacy & hub services segment is predicted to grow at a rapid rate in the North America pharmaceutical market during the studied period due to flexible contracts, third-party integration, funding, and partnerships. They manage complex therapies and provide patient access and support. They drive personalized patient engagement and expanded clinical insights.

How does the Commercial Payers/Insurers Segment Dominate the Market in 2024?

The commercial payers/insurers segment dominated the market in 2024, with a revenue share of approximately 48%, owing to their role in direct and indirect cost management, managing specialty drug costs, and driving biosimilar adoption. They facilitate utilization management, value-based contracts, and integration with behavioral health. They focus on mitigating the financial impact of pharmaceutical expenditure in the North America pharmaceutical market.

The other segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period due to the focus on underserved areas, drug development for rare diseases, and the reduction of development risks. They strengthen supply chains and set standards for quality assurance in procurement. They enhance digital capabilities and adopt decentralized trials.

Regional Insights

How does North America Dominate the Market in 2024?

North America dominated the market in 2024, owing to the increased focus of governments on pharmaceutical pricing, drug manufacturing, R&D funding, and improved access to novel medicines and effective treatments. The North America pharmaceutical market includes top pharmaceutical companies across North America, including Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Roche Diagnostics, and many more. These companies are expanding and achieving massive growth through strategic collaborations and investments in R&D facilities, manufacturing, and the pharmaceutical division. They are advancing their clinical trials to diagnose, prevent, and treat incurable diseases through novel approaches like stem cell-based research, regenerative medicine, precision medicine, and quantum computing. North American governments are enabling pharmaceutical hubs to grow and expand through transparency and resilience in supply chains and logistics.

North America Pharmaceutical Market Trends

  • U.S. dominated the market in 2024, with a significant revenue share of approximately 91%. In August 2025, President Donald Trump reported the efforts to ensure resilience in the American pharmaceutical supply chain through robust R&D in active pharmaceutical ingredients.
  • In July 2025, President Donald Trump announced initiatives to reduce drug prices for Americans and taxpayers by offering them the best prices in the world for prescription drugs.
  • In July 2025, President Donald Trump sent letters to the 17 leading pharmaceutical companies to reduce drug prices in the U.S. and stay in compliance with government regulations.

Canada North America Pharmaceutical Market Trends

  • In March 2025, the Government of Canada signed a pharmacare agreement with British Columbia to enable Canadians to access healthcare in urgent need, irrespective of their financial conditions, and enhance universal access to free medications.
  • In October 2024, the Government of Canada passed legislation for a first phase of national universal pharmacare that allows easy purchasing of medications for Canadians to keep them healthy.

Global Pharmaceutical Market Growth

The global pharmaceutical market was valued at approximately US$ 1,573.20 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 3,033.21 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.15% between 2024 and 2034.

Pharmaceutical Market Revenue 2023 - 2034

North America Pharmaceutical Market Value Chain Analysis

R&D

The R&D process for pharmaceuticals includes several stages, such as drug discovery and development, preclinical research, clinical research, regulatory review and approval, and post-market monitoring.

Key Players: Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck & Co., Novartis, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Roche, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline.

Distribution to Hospitals, Pharmacies

The growing need for specialty and high-value drugs drives the distribution of pharmaceuticals to hospitals and pharmacies.

Key Players: McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance.

Patient Support and Services

The growing integration of digital health services like mobile health applications, wearables, patient portals, and digital patient engagement tools boosts supportive patient care.

Key Players: Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck & Co., Novartis, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Roche, Sanofi.

Top Vendors in the North America Pharmaceutical Market

  • Pfizer Inc.: The top-selling vaccines and pharmaceuticals of this company include Eliquis, an anticoagulant to treat blood clots, and commercial oncology products like Adcetris, Padcev, and Tivdak for treating lymphoma, bladder cancer, and cervical cancer.
  • Johnson & Johnson: The top offerings include DARZALEX, ERLEADA, CARVYKTI, and RYBREVANT for oncology, TREMFYA, SIMPONI, and Remicade for immunology areas, and many others.
  • Merck & Co., Inc.: The approved vaccines include Gardasil/Gardasil 9, Winrevair, Capvaxive, and Enflonsia.
  • AbbVie Inc.: It has offered Skyrizi, Rinvoq, and Humira across immunology areas.
  • Bristol Myers Squibb: Opdivo Qvantig, Breyanzi, Radiopharmaceuticals, and Krazati are offered for oncology treatments.

Top Companies in the North America Pharmaceutical Market

  • Pfizer Inc.
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Merck & Co., Inc.
  • AbbVie Inc.
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Amgen Inc.
  • Gilead Sciences
  • Novartis AG
  • Roche 
  • Sanofi
  • AstraZeneca
  • Novo Nordisk
  • Biogen Inc.
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals
  • Moderna, Inc.
  • Takeda Pharmaceutical
  • Bayer
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

Recent Developments in the North America Pharmaceutical Market

  • In September 2025, Pfizer announced an agreement with the U.S. government and the Trump Administration to ensure a reduction in drug costs for American patients.
  • In September 2025, Sanofi S.A. committed an additional $625 million to Sanofi Ventures to boost investments in biotechnology and digital health innovation.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type

  • Branded small-molecule innovative drugs
  • Biologics & Monoclonal Antibodies
  • Generics (small molecules) 
  • Specialty medicines/orphan drugs & advanced therapies (cell & gene)
  • Vaccines
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
  • Biosimilars

By Therapeutic Area

  • Oncology
  • Cardiovascular & Metabolic (incl. diabetes)
  • Central Nervous System (CNS: neurology, psychiatry)
  • Autoimmune/Immunology (RA, IBD, psoriasis)
  • Infectious Diseases (incl. vaccines & antivirals)
  • Respiratory & Allergies
  • Rare/Orphan & Gene Therapies
  • Others (dermatology, GI, ophthalmology, etc.)

By Channel/Distribution

  • Retail Pharmacies (Community)
  • Hospital Pharmacies & Health System Dispensing
  • Specialty Pharmacies (high-cost biologics & orphan drugs)
  • Mail-order/Long-term care/Institutional (incl. LTC pharmacies)
  • Other channels (online/DTX direct-to-patient pilots, on-site clinic dispensing)

By Business Model/Revenue Stream

  • Innovator pharmaceutical sales
  • Contract manufacturing & outsourcing (CMO/CDMO)
  • Generics & price-sensitive volume sales
  • Specialty pharmacy & hub services
  • Vaccine & public-health procurement

By Buyer/Payer Type

  • Commercial Payers/Insurers
  • Government/Public Programs (Medicare, Medicaid, provincial plans)
  • Out-of-pocket/patient payments
  • Private employers/PBMs/benefit managers
  • Other (philanthropic procurement, clinical-trial sponsors)

By Region

  • North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada

Tags

  • Last Updated: 08 October 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Rohan Patil is a seasoned market research professional with over 5+ years of focused experience in the healthcare sector, bringing deep domain expertise, strategic foresight, and analytical precision to every project he undertakes.

Learn more about Rohan Patil

Aditi Shivarkar is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in healthcare market research. As a content reviewer, Aditi plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and accuracy of all market insights and data presented by the research team.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

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FAQ's

The North America pharmaceutical market stands at USD 635.31 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1043.48 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.67% from 2024 to 2034.

The U.S. is currently leading the North America pharmaceutical market share 91% due to innovations in drug development and strategic mergers and acquisitions.

The North America pharmaceutical market includes 6 segments, such as product type, therapeutic area, channel/distribution, business model/revenue stream, buyer/payer type, and region.

Key trends include next-generation drug delivery, digital health, cell and gene therapies, genomic medicine, etc.

FDA, WHO, National Institutes of Health, CDC, NIH.