Term used to described top-tier pharmaceutical companies worldwide in terms of revenue and market influence. For the most part they are concerned with development and production of small-molecules and/or synthetic drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) preparations.

See also
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
American Medical Association (AMA)
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
British Medical Association (BMA)
Clinical trial
International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP)