Big Pharma is an informal term describing large and powerful pharmaceutical companies or the pharmaceutical industry in general. The term Big Pharma focuses on the influence of large pharmaceutical companies on the healthcare system, the economy and society and criticizes their business practices, drug pricing and lobbying efforts with regard to legislation. There are even conspiracy theories surrounding Big Pharma.

The most important features of Big Pharma include:

• Dimension: Large pharmaceutical companies have a sales revenue of several billion dollars and a global presence. They develop, produce and distribute a wide range of drugs all over the world.
• Research and development: Most investments by pharmaceutical companies are used for the research and development (German translation: Forschung und Entwicklung) of new drugs and medical devices. This may involve the development of innovative drugs for the treatment of various diseases.
• Protection of intellectual property: Pharmaceutical companies have large patent portfolios and often protect their innovations and drugs with patents, which gives them a monopoly on the market and enables them to set high prices. Patent protection usually expires after 20 years.
• Pricing: One of the main points of criticism of Big Pharma is high drug prices, especially for new and innovative drugs. This can lead to financial hurdles for patients, especially those who need long-term treatment.
• Lobbying: Large pharmaceutical companies (translation into German: Pharmaunternehmen) can have a significant impact on legislation and regulation in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector by lobbying and making donations to political campaigns.

While Big Pharma plays an important role in the development and distribution of drugs, it also faces criticism over various aspects of its operations, including the availability of drugs, pricing and transparency. As a result, over the past few decades, movements and organizations to monitor and improve the practices of the pharmaceutical industry (German: Pharmaindustrie) have emerged.

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