Yahoo Finance·2026-01-30 08:00Industry Overview - The pharmaceutical industry is facing a potential loss of $300 billion, which represents one-sixth of its overall revenue, by 2030 due to a patent cliff [1] - Companies that can adapt quickly will be better positioned to navigate this challenge [1] Company-Specific Insights - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are well-positioned with limited patent exposure and significant earnings from GLP-1 weight loss drugs [2] - Bristol Myers Squibb faces a significant challenge with a projected growth gap of about $38 billion, primarily due to the loss of patent protection for its top drugs, Eliquis and Opdivo, which together account for over half of its earnings [3] - Merck & Co. and Pfizer are also facing substantial gaps of $23 billion and $21 billion, respectively [3] Strategic Responses - Successful companies are employing multi-faceted strategies to mitigate losses, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to strengthen their drug pipelines [4] - Beyond M&A, companies are also focusing on delaying patent expirations, exploring new drug development areas, and refocusing efforts to generate growth [5] Johnson & Johnson's Position - Johnson & Johnson is positioning itself as a success story amid the patent cliff, despite facing challenges such as biosimilar competition for its drug Stelara, which could lead to a $15 million revenue gap [6] - The company’s drug Darzalex, with projected sales of almost $18 billion in 2024, will soon encounter its own patent cliff [6] - J&J reported over $24 billion in quarterly sales with a 6% increase in annual sales, surpassing market expectations, and is framing 2025 as a pivotal year for growth [7]