PHARMA R&D
ANNUAL REVIEW 2026

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FROM SEED
TO SCALE

From early seeds of innovation to late‑stage assets coming into bloom, this year’s analysis digs deep into where the industry is flourishing, where growth is slowing, and which therapeutic areas are bearing the richest fruit.

Grounded in robust data and fresh insight, The Pharma R&D Annual Review 2026 is an essential seasonal digest for anyone wanting to see how pharma’s garden is really growing.

EXPLORE THE CONTENT
Pharma R&D Annual Review
After another record-breaking year of drug development, what will 2026 yield? Find out how the pipeline is growing in the Pharma R&D Annual Review.
PDF preview of the Pharma R and D Annual Review 2026 available for download.
Clinical
Pharma R&D Annual Review Infographic

The Pharma R&D Annual Review 2026 infographic reveals how the global landscape is evolving and where future growth may blossom.

PDF preview of the Pharma R and D Annual Review Infographic 2026 available for download.
New Active Substances Infographic
As China officially overtakes the US in bringing debutante drugs to market, take a closer look at the New Active Substances infographic.
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New Active Substances Report
With a bounty of New Active Substances launching last year, will the conditions be right for cultivating growth in 2026? Find out in the full report.
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INFOGRAPHIC
Clinical

Pharma R&D Annual Review Infographic

The Pharma R&D Annual Review 2026 infographic reveals how the global landscape is evolving and where future growth may blossom.

''''
REPORT
Clinical

Pharma R&D Annual Review

After another record-breaking year of drug development, what will 2026 yield? Find out how the pipeline is growing in the Pharma R&D Annual Review.

''
INFOGRAPHIC
Clinical

New Active Substances Infographic

As China officially overtakes the US in bringing debutante drugs to market, take a closer look at the New Active Substances infographic.

''
REPORT
Clinical

New Active Substances Report

With a bounty of New Active Substances launching last year, will the conditions be right for cultivating growth in 2026? Find out in the full report.

View all

The Pharma R&D Review Live

April 21 | 10am NYC | 3pm LDN

Book your place at our live webinar and join our expert panel as they dig deep into the latest global drug development trends — highlighting the companies cultivating bold R&D strategies and revealing which therapeutic categories are thriving, emerging, or ready to take root next.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Headshot of Ian Lloyd.

IAN LLOYD

Senior Director for Pharmaprojects

For 33 years, Ian has been the chief author of the annual Pharma R&D Review. His data-driven insights and unique perspective are a staple in the pharmaceutical calendar. Our webinar is your opportunity to put your questions directly to Ian, and uncover new insights that could unlock your future strategy.

Headshot of Alexandra Shimmings.

ALEX SHIMMINGS

Executive Editor, Scrip

As the head of our European editorial team, Alex has covered breakthroughs in R&D across a range of therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, cardiology, and cancer. She frequently interviews key players in the industry, keeping her finger on the pulse of the global pharma R&D landscape.

PHARMAPROJECTS+

The perfect fit for drug development

The Pharma R&D Review white papers and infographics are powered by data from Pharmaprojects, the industry’s leading platform for tracking and analyzing the global drug R&D landscape.

Book a free demo with one of our experts to discover the benefits of Pharmaprojects+, including…

  • Track Global Drug Pipelines
  • Assess the Competitive Landscape
  • Identify R&D Opportunities
  • Monitor Key Market Trends
  • Access Expert Analyst Support

Frequently Asked Questions
The Pharma R&D Annual Review 2026 is a comprehensive analysis of the global pharmaceutical research and development pipeline, exploring how drug development is evolving across companies, therapeutic areas, technologies, and geographies at the start of 2026.
The review is designed for pharmaceutical and biotech executives, R&D leaders, strategists, investors, analysts, and anyone seeking a data-led understanding of where global drug development is flourishing — and where future growth opportunities lie.
This edition examines pipeline size and growth, development phases, leading pharma companies, therapeutic and disease focus, mechanisms of action, drug types, and regional trends. A gardening and agriculture theme is woven throughout to illustrate how innovation is planted, nurtured, and brought to harvest.
The analysis is primarily based on Pharmaprojects+ data, part of the Citeline suite, which has tracked global drug development since 1980. Clinical trial insights are supplemented using Trialtrove+, ensuring a robust, data-driven view of R&D activity.
At the start of 2026, the active global R&D pipeline comprises 22,940 drugs. While this represents a modest year-on-year decline, the report explains why this reflects data normalization rather than a loss of industry momentum.
Oncology remains the largest area of focus, although its share has begun to plateau. Significant growth is also seen in neurology, immunology, metabolic diseases, obesity, and rare diseases, highlighting a broadening of industry priorities.
Rare diseases account for a growing share of the pipeline, driven by high unmet need and regulatory incentives such as orphan drug designation. The report explores how both large pharma and smaller innovators are cultivating this space.
For the first time, biotech drugs outnumber small molecules in the pipeline. Rapid growth is seen in monoclonal antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, cell and gene therapies, RNA-based treatments, and precision targeted mechanisms.
The US continues to lead global pharma R&D, with China close behind and showing signs of maturation. The report also highlights important regional dynamics across Europe, Japan, South Korea, India, and other key markets.
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