Key Takeaway
- Information drives competition. Competition drives innovation. Innovation drives growth. And growth helps create a healthier future for everyone.
The Big Picture: Consumer care advertising is about more than healthcare. It supports an economic ecosystem that includes researchers, manufacturers, media companies, technology providers, local broadcasters, creative agencies, and small businesses across the country. By helping connect innovations with consumers, it supports competition, investment, job creation, and economic growth. Ultimately, it helps ensure that new treatments and technologies can reach the people they were designed to help.
By the Numbers
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Nearly 5 Million
The number of American jobs supported
The U.S. biopharmaceutical industry directly employs more than 1 million workers and supports an additional 3.8 million jobs throughout the broader economy. That’s4.9 million jobs nationwide.
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$1.65 Trillion
The economic output of the biopharmaceutical industry
The biopharmaceutical industry generates more than $1.65 trillion in total economic output, including activity supported through suppliers, contractors, and related industries across the country.
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$71 Billion
The number of dollars spent with suppliers and vendors
Major biopharmaceutical companies spent more than $71.6 billion with vendors and suppliers in 2022, supporting businesses in communities across America.
Advertising Supports a Broad Economic Ecosystem
Healthcare and pharmaceutical advertising exceeded $30 billion in 2024, supporting media organizations, marketing firms, production companies, technology providers, and other businesses throughout the advertising supply chain.
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$5 Billion
Biopharmaceutical spending on television advertising per year
Pharmaceutical companies spent approximately $5.15 billion on national television advertising in 2024, accounting for roughly 11.6% of all national broadcast and cable television advertising spending.
Why It Matters
Information Supports Competition
Competitive markets depend on informed consumers. When people have access to information about new products, services, and treatments, innovators have a better opportunity to compete.
Innovation Requires Visibility
Breakthrough discoveries create value when they reach the people they were designed to help. Raising awareness helps connect innovations with consumers, encourages adoption, and supports continued investment in future breakthroughs.
Economic Benefits Extend Beyond One Industry
Consumer care advertising supports economic activity that extends well beyond healthcare companies themselves. Broadcasters, publishers, technology platforms, data firms, creative agencies, production companies, and local businesses all participate in the advertising economy.
Investment Drives Future Innovation
The biopharmaceutical industry's economic impact extends far beyond research laboratories and manufacturing facilities. The sector supports millions of jobs, generates substantial economic activity, and fuels investment in the next generation of medical innovation.
What's at Stake?
Policies affecting consumer care advertising can have effects that extend well beyond a single industry. Potential impacts include:
- Reduced awareness of new treatments and healthcare innovations.
- Less competition for emerging products and new market entrants.
- Fewer incentives for investment in research and development.
- Reduced revenue flowing to broadcasters, publishers, and media organizations.
- Negative ripple effects for small businesses and suppliers that participate in the advertising ecosystem.
- Economic consequences that reach far beyond healthcare.
