The biotechnology industry is a dynamic, rapidly growing field that combines biology and technology. In this industry, companies develop innovative drugs, medical devices, diagnostics, and more to treat diseases and improve human health. There are a lot of big players in this industry, like Pfizer and Moderna, who invest a lot in R&D.
The biotech landscape is vast, with numerous enterprises striving to contribute significantly to healthcare. However, navigating this landscape can be complex, as companies face challenges such as lengthy approval processes and market uncertainties. However, the industry keeps on growing, driven by a shared commitment to advance medical science and improve quality of life.
What Is Biotech & What Are Biotech Companies?
Biotech, short for biotechnology, refers to the application of biological knowledge, processes, and organisms. It develops products and technologies that improve our lives and address various challenges like healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability.
Biotech companies are organizations that specialize in utilizing biotechnological principles. They make pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, agricultural biotechnology, and renewable energy solutions. In addition to conducting clinical trials and getting regulatory approvals, they often invest a lot in research and development.
Biotech organizations contribute to medical science, improving healthcare, developing sustainable farming practices, and finding new ways to tackle environmental problems. Their research develops breakthroughs, therapies, and technologies that can benefit society and improve people’s lives.
How Many Biotech Companies Are There?
According to data from ibisworld.com, there are a total of 11,076 global biotechnology businesses as of 2023. This represents a growth rate of 5.9% compared to the previous year, indicating a thriving and expanding biotech industry. The statistics highlight the significant presence of biotech companies worldwide. It reflects the continuous advancements and contributions made in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Another resource biotechgate.com reported that the total number of biotech companies stands at an impressive 22,153. Where the significant number of companies are from Therapeutics and Diagnostics department with 8,307 numbers.
Meanwhile, golden.com another source is finding a database total for biotech companies is 15,759.
However, the truth is we can not claim a certain number of biotech companies worldwide. Because it is a rapidly growing and potential industry for unlocking the full potential of life by combining technology and biology. That what we call biotechnology. There may be many new start-ups that have started but are not listed in the above database.
Biotech Subcategories
Biotech Sub-Categories | Percentage |
Therapeutics | 22% |
Diagnostics and Analytical Services | 19% |
Contract Research and Manufacturing | 12% |
Other Services and Suppliers | 12% |
Food and Nutraceuticals | 7% |
Genomics and Proteomics | 7% |
Bioinformatics and Bioelectronics | 5% |
Drug Delivery | 4% |
Veterinary | 3% |
AgroBio | 3% |
Cosmetics | 3% |
Industrial Biotechnology | 2% |
Environment | 1% |
This table provides a breakdown of biotech sub-categories and their respective percentages within the industry. It showcases the diverse areas in which biotech companies operate, including agriculture, diagnostics, therapeutics, and more.
Pfizer
Pfizer, Inc., headquartered in New York City, stands as one of the leading global pharmaceutical and biomedical companies. Established in 1849, the company has a long history dating back to Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart. Pfizer has been dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of prescription medications for humans and animals.
Its collaboration with a biotech partner to develop a COVID vaccine has been one of its most significant accomplishments, playing a vital role in the global pandemic fight. Pfizer has released several notable medications, including the antidepressant Zoloft, the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, and the antidepressant Xanax.
For the year ending March 31, 2023, Pfizer had revenue of $92.951 billion, which represents a 0.56% year-over-year increase. In 2022, the company reported an annual revenue of $100.33 billion, marking a substantial 23.43% increase from the previous year.
Novo Nordisk
With a global reach, Novo Nordisk is a multinational biotechnology company based in Denmark. The Novo Nordisk Group has production facilities in seven countries and affiliates or offices in 16 countries. In addition to diabetes, hemophilia, growth hormone therapy, and hormone replacement therapy, the company focuses on critical healthcare areas.
Novo Nordisk is known for developing innovative drugs that have made a significant impact in this field. There are several well-known products under this brand, such as Levemir, NovoLog, Novolin R, NovoSeven, NovoEight, and Victoza. The company’s annual revenue amounted to $24.31 billion.
As a global leader in biotechnology, Novo Nordisk continues to push boundaries, develop new therapies, and address critical health challenges worldwide.
Moderna Inc.
Moderna Inc. is a dynamic and innovative biotechnology company based in Cambridge, MA. Established in 2010, it quickly rose to prominence. Moderna specializes in developing medicines using messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNA), a cutting-edge technology that holds immense potential in the field of healthcare.
Moderna’s focus extends beyond COVID-19, with a primary emphasis on leveraging mRNA medicines for autoimmune disorders, rare and infectious diseases, and immuno-oncology. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Moderna continues to explore the vast therapeutic potential of mRNA, pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.
$20.68 billion dollars worth of revenues were recorded by Moderna Inc. in the past year.
BioNTech SE
BioNTech, a Germany-based biotech company headquartered in Mainz, was founded in 2008. The founders are the couple Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Turci. Their vision of establishing this company was to personalize cancer treatments for individual patients. In 2020, BioNTech and Pfizer partnered to produce the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, a ground-breaking achievement. With a focus on mRNA-based therapies, the company has demonstrated its commitment to advancing the field of medicine.
Despite its relatively recent establishment, BioNTech has achieved notable financial success, generating $20.37 billion in the trailing twelve months (TTM). Additionally, its net income reached $11.35 billion, contributing to its market capitalization of $40.91 billion. Although the 1-year trailing total return stands at -40.54%, it is essential to consider the market dynamics and fluctuations impacting the biotech sector.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. focuses on developing and marketing drug treatments for various medical conditions. These conditions include eye disease, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, allergic and inflammatory issues, and infectious diseases. Regeneron’s ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.
Regeneron’s operations are notable for its commitment to genetic research. Through its Regeneron Genetics Center, the company plans to conduct one of the largest gene sequencing operations globally.
The company had $13.71 billion in revenue for the trailing twelve months.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing and marketing drug treatments for a range of medical conditions. Their focus areas include cancer, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders.
With a strong commitment to innovation and research, Vertex aims to improve the lives of patients worldwide.
During the trailing twelve months, the company made $8.7 billion.
Conclusion
We hope you got the answer to the question of how many biotech companies are there. The biotech industry is booming with many companies worldwide. There are thousands of biotech companies in various subcategories. Which includes therapeutics, diagnostics, agriculture, and more, so they’re advancing healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. As the biotech industry grows and diversifies, we’ll see more innovation and breakthroughs in the future.