Cancer continues to be one of the most complex health challenges globally, fueling relentless innovation in oncology research and drug development. From groundbreaking immunotherapies to precision medicine, leading oncology companies are transforming how cancer is treated. In this blog, we explore the list of oncology companies dominating the global market in 2025 based on drug pipeline strength, revenue, and therapeutic impact.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, investor, or simply curious about cutting-edge cancer treatments, this overview offers valuable insights into who is the industry leader in oncology, which company has the best oncology pipeline, and what Indian firms are making strides in cancer medicine.
1. Roche (Genentech) – The Undisputed Leader
When asking “Who is the industry leader in oncology?” The answer is consistently Roche. With its subsidiary Genentech, Roche remains at the forefront of oncology innovation. The Swiss pharmaceutical giant has built a powerful oncology pipeline with blockbusters like Avastin, Herceptin, and Tecentriq.
In 2025, Roche continues to lead global oncology revenue thanks to its deep investment in immuno-oncology, personalized medicine, and biomarker research. It also ranks among the top oncology companies with the best clinical pipeline, especially in breast, lung, and hematological cancers.
Key Highlights:
- Pioneers in targeted therapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
- Market leader in HER2-positive breast cancer treatments
- Advancing novel combinations in immunotherapy
2. Merck & Co. (MSD) – The Immunotherapy Powerhouse
Merck’s Keytruda has redefined cancer treatment standards, particularly in lung, skin, and head and neck cancers. The drug’s continued expansion into multiple indications has helped Merck dominate the immuno-oncology segment.
In 2025, Merck is among the oncology companies with the fastest-growing portfolio, making it a major player to watch. The company’s focus on PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors and clinical trials across more than 30 cancer types showcases its global ambitions.
Key Highlights:
- Leader in immuno-oncology
- Diversified oncology pipeline targeting unmet needs
- Expanding presence in Asia-Pacific markets
3. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) – Leading in Combination Therapies
Bristol Myers Squibb’s success in oncology has been shaped by the development of Opdivo and Yervoy, two immunotherapy staples. BMS is increasingly focusing on combination therapies, especially in melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and blood cancers.
With the acquisition of Celgene in 2019, BMS added Revlimid and a suite of hematology treatments, securing its place in the list of oncology companies driving innovation.
Key Highlights:
- Strong portfolio in both solid and blood cancers
- Emphasis on combination therapy and novel biologics
- Active in CAR-T and cell therapy research
4. AstraZeneca – Precision Medicine Pioneer
AstraZeneca continues to rise among oncology companies, thanks to its breakthrough drug Tagrisso for lung cancer and Lynparza, a PARP inhibitor used across several cancer types. The British-Swedish firm has invested heavily in precision oncology and companion diagnostics.
The company’s commitment to biomarker-driven therapies and next-gen ADCs positions it as one of the top firms with a best-in-class oncology pipeline.
Key Highlights:
- Leaders in EGFR+ lung cancer treatment
- Collaborations with Daiichi Sankyo on ADCs
- Focused on DNA damage repair mechanisms
5. Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) – Hematology Specialist
Johnson & Johnson, through its Janssen Pharmaceuticals division, has built a robust presence in hematological oncology. Drugs like Darzalex (for multiple myeloma) and Imbruvica (for B-cell malignancies) contribute significantly to its oncology revenue.
J&J is among the top oncology companies transforming treatment landscapes through innovative small molecules and cell therapies.
Key Highlights:
- Expertise in blood cancers
- Strong late-stage clinical pipeline
- Investing in next-gen CAR-T therapies
6. Novartis – A Force in Targeted Therapy
Swiss giant Novartis has reshaped cancer treatment with targeted therapies such as Kisqali, Kymriah (CAR-T), and Tabrecta. It is also pioneering radioligand therapy, offering a new way to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells.
Novartis’ diverse oncology assets across solid tumors and hematology ensure it remains one of the most influential players in cancer medicine globally.
Key Highlights:
- First FDA-approved CAR-T therapy (Kymriah)
- Advancing radioligand therapy
- Focus on precision oncology and molecular targets
7. Pfizer – Oncology Growth Through M&A
Pfizer, historically known for vaccines and primary care drugs, has become a major oncology player through strategic acquisitions like Seagen (2023), strengthening its pipeline of ADCs and immunotherapies.
Drugs like Ibrance, Xtandi, and Lorbrena continue to drive growth, making Pfizer one of the fastest-rising names among oncology companies.
Key Highlights:
- Dominant in breast and prostate cancer segments
- Recent acquisitions boosting pipeline potential
- Strong presence in global oncology markets
8. Gilead Sciences – Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy
Gilead entered the oncology space aggressively by acquiring Kite Pharma and Immunomedics. Its CAR-T therapy Yescarta and antibody-drug conjugate Trodelvy place it firmly in the innovation spotlight.
Gilead’s oncology ambitions are focused on hard-to-treat cancers and immuno-modulatory therapies.
Key Highlights:
- Leader in cell therapy with Yescarta
- Expanding breast and bladder cancer indications
- Pipeline rich in first-in-class therapies
9. Takeda Oncology – Japan’s Global Player
As Japan’s largest pharmaceutical company, Takeda is gaining global traction through its oncology arm. The firm’s acquisition of Shire and oncology drugs like Ninlaro and Alunbrig place it in the upper tier of oncology companies.
Takeda is also investing in rare and underserved cancer indications, positioning itself uniquely in the global oncology market.
Key Highlights:
- Strength in hematologic cancers
- Active pipeline in solid tumors and rare cancers
- Presence in over 80 countries
10. Sun Pharmaceutical (India) – Indian Leader in Cancer Medicine
Which Indian company makes cancer medicine? Sun Pharma stands out. As India’s largest pharmaceutical company, Sun manufactures generic and branded oncology drugs across breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Its subsidiary SPARC is advancing several novel oncology compounds.
Sun Pharma plays a vital role in making cancer treatments affordable in emerging markets and is expanding globally with a growing oncology pipeline.
Key Highlights:
- Leading Indian oncology manufacturer
- Global distribution of generics and branded drugs
- Affordable cancer treatment options for low-income countries
Bonus: Who Is the Biggest Oncology GPO?
Who are the biggest oncology GPOs? Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) play a crucial role in reducing costs for healthcare providers. In the U.S., Oncology Supply (AmerisourceBergen) and McKesson Specialty Health (operator of The US Oncology Network) are the largest oncology GPOs. These entities ensure widespread distribution of oncology drugs while optimizing hospital procurement.
Final Thoughts
From biotech innovators to generic drug manufacturers, the list of oncology companies making an impact in 2025 is more diverse than ever. Whether it’s Roche’s advanced biologics, Merck’s immunotherapies, or Sun Pharma’s affordable generics, these firms are united by a common goal: defeating cancer.
As cancer treatment becomes more personalized and data-driven, these top oncology companies will continue to lead the charge in innovation and patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is the industry leader in oncology?
Roche is widely recognized as the industry leader in oncology, known for its strong drug portfolio including Avastin, Herceptin, and Tecentriq.
Which company has the best oncology pipeline in 2025?
Merck and Roche have the most advanced oncology pipelines in 2024, with multiple late-stage immunotherapies and targeted treatments.
Which Indian company makes cancer medicine?
Sun Pharmaceutical is the leading Indian company in cancer medicine, offering both generics and innovative oncology drugs globally.
What are the top 5 oncology companies in the world?
The top 5 oncology companies in 2025 are Roche, Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen).
Who are the biggest oncology GPOs in the U.S.?
The biggest oncology GPOs in the U.S. are McKesson Specialty Health (The US Oncology Network) and Oncology Supply (AmerisourceBergen).
