Figure 2
R&D efficiency: R&D investment per approval by company type, including number of NME and NME + LCM approvals per $1B in R&D
Approvals¹ per $1B of R&D, by company² scale (2015-2023)
Number of approvals per $1B R&D spend
Interestingly, large pharmas have been less transformative value, they also significantly when factoring in life cycle indications, the efficiency disparity remains evident, although and time to achieve market success. This others — to drive top-line growth. To meet with the highest market potential, which counts and revenues if approved after the acquisition date. 3LCM includes new indication, new patient population, pediatric, and new route of administration;4Top 15 Biopharma companies were categorized based on biopharma revenues >$25B in 2024; 2024 trends show a continuing decrease in NME approvals per $1B of R&D spend with Top 15 Biopharma falling to 0.1 and All Other Biopharma pharma falling to 0.3 Source: FDA, company investor presentations and SEC filings