Drug patenting in 2001

Abstract

Statistical analysis of the pharmaceutical patent literature is described, with examples drawn from existing and forthcoming compilations. A six year ranking of key therapeutic innovators places GlaxoSmithKline clearly in the lead, followed by Merck & Co. and Aventis. When platform technologies are also included there are some dramatic changes, including entry of the US Government and the University of California into the top ten. Country of origin, subject matter and collaborations are also considered. Factorial maps resulting from correspondence analysis are explained.