Big Pharma

or big phar·ma

[ big fahr-muh ]

noun

1. pharmaceutical companies considered collectively, especially with reference to their political and commercial influence:

   The article attributes rising medical costs to private healthcare, Big Pharma, and insurance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Big Pharma¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Shares in vaccine makers and healthcare firms around the world slid sharply on Friday, as investors reacted to the nomination of a campaigner who has vowed to crack down on “Big Pharma”.

From BBC

But he has also adopted positions with popular support, scrutinising the use of food additives and urging that the power of big pharma be curbed.

From BBC

Kennedy is known as a vaccine sceptic and, if confirmed in the post, has vowed to use it to crack down on “Big Pharma”.

From BBC

An Australian man fell off an elevated platform and Jon Tester took on Big Pharma and a lifelong Republican just didn’t trust Tim Sheehy.

From Slate

"It's not surprising, he's one of the biggest recipients of donations from Big Pharma lobbyists in the entire United States Senate," he said, as Cruz laughed.

From Salon