Top-Selling Drugs of 2026 | iPharmaCenter
- Badari Andukuri
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Top-Selling Drugs of 2026: Oncology, Diabetes, and Immunology Take the Lead
The pharmaceutical market in 2026 continues to be shaped by powerful forces across oncology, metabolic disorders, and immunology. Driven by expanding therapeutic indications, label extensions, and surging patient demand, the world’s largest drugmakers have seen record-breaking revenues from a handful of blockbuster agents.
Keytruda: The Unchallenged Leader in Oncology
Merck’s Keytruda continues to dominate as the world’s top-selling pharmaceutical brand, with estimated 2026 revenues nearing $34 billion. The anti–PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor now represents more than half of Merck’s total pharmaceutical revenue.
Growth is being fueled by rapid adoption in early-stage cancers, particularly non-small cell lung cancer, and sustained performance in metastatic settings. Merck’s newly developed Keytruda QLEX, a subcutaneous formulation, could further accelerate uptake by improving patient convenience and broadening market access.
The company forecasts continued double-digit growth through earlier lines of therapy, expanding the drug’s leadership well beyond its established oncology footprint.
Mounjaro and Zepbound: Eli Lilly’s Dual Triumph in Metabolic Disorders
Eli Lilly has solidified its leadership in the metabolic disease segment with Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and its weight-management counterpart Zepbound. Mounjaro alone is projected to reach $26 billion in 2026, reflecting sustained demand, new market launches, and label expansions into obesity.
Lilly’s GLP-1/GIP dual agonist achieved one of the fastest commercial growth trajectories in pharmaceutical history. Together, Mounjaro and Zepbound are transforming Lilly into a metabolic powerhouse, benefiting from expanding global supply and widening access across regions.
Skyrizi and Dupixent: Immunology Blockbusters Hold Their Ground
While GLP-1 therapies dominate headlines, AbbVie’s Skyrizi and Sanofi/Regeneron’s Dupixent remain formidable performers in the immunology space. Skyrizi, now AbbVie’s leading asset, is expected to generate around $21 billion, driven by continued penetration in psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Meanwhile, Dupixent maintains steady momentum with an estimated $20 billion in annual revenue, supported by new indications in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic prurigo nodularis. Both drugs demonstrate the durability of biologics in high-need inflammatory conditions.
Novo Nordisk: Semaglutide Franchise Still Strong
Despite intense competition from Lilly’s tirzepatide, Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide-based portfolio, including Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for obesity, continues to deliver robust results. Combined sales from these two brands are expected to approach $35 billion in 2026.
However, Novo Nordisk’s market ranking has slightly dipped as Lilly’s dual agonist products gain share. The Danish giant remains focused on scaling production and defending its position with ongoing trials exploring semaglutide’s potential in cardiovascular and kidney outcomes.
Other Blockbusters: Darzalex, Biktarvy, and Eliquis
In oncology, Johnson & Johnson’s Darzalex continues to dominate the multiple myeloma segment, securing around $16 billion in sales for 2026. Its evolving formulations and combination regimens reinforce its leadership in hematologic malignancies.
Gilead’s Biktarvy, the leading HIV therapy, maintains stable performance near $15 billion, reflecting its strong efficacy and safety profile across treatment-naïve and experienced populations.
Finally, Bristol Myers Squibb’s Eliquis, a cornerstone anticoagulant, adds approximately $12 billion in revenue. However, with patent expiry slated for 2026, BMS is expected to face a sharp decline in sales as generics enter the market.
Source:
Evaluate Pharma 2026 Preview: Link
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