Novartis leads and Bristol lags on novel drug approvals

A developer’s track record at bringing novel medicines to market is one of the ultimate tests of R&D prowess – as is business development acumen. A look at how the world’s 11 big pharma companies have been faring on launches reveals very different performances.

With 12 FDA approvals over the past five years Novartis leads the pack, boasting notable new arrivals including the gene therapy Zolgensma and Kymriah, the first approved Car-T therapy. Bristol Myers Squibb brings up the rear with only three to its name, all of which were gained through the Celgene acquisition, a move that could have been spurred by expectations of a barren regulatory period.