Pharmaceutical industry reports strong Q2 2026 results amid patent shifts

Major pharmaceutical companies reported varied but generally strong second-quarter 2026 results, characterized by a shift in revenue from expiring patents to new specialty medicines.

AstraZeneca reported a significant jump in earnings, with a quarterly profit of $2.51 billion and revenue of $15.38 billion, exceeding analyst consensus. Novartis saw total revenue rise nearly 3% to $14.4 billion; while the company faced a major revenue drop for its heart medication Entresto due to patent expirations, growth in oncology and immunology drugs like Kisqali and Kesimpta offset the losses.

Other industry players are navigating similar transitions. Bayer reported a 1% revenue increase to €10.87 billion, supported by its agricultural division and new drugs like Nubeqa, despite declines in Xarelto and Eylea. GSK reported a 5% increase in currency-adjusted revenue to £8.4 billion but has initiated a savings program to prepare for upcoming patent expirations. Sanofi remains in a period of restructuring, focusing on efficiency programs and shifting its portfolio toward high-margin areas such as immunology and rare diseases.