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Pharmaceutical companies spend decades and billions of dollars in order to discover, research, and develop the most innovative cures, vaccines, and treatments for every ailment imaginable.

The Latest Reuters Rankings

Every year, Reuters compares the annual revenues of the largest pharmaceutical to determine the rankings around the globe. The 2009 rankings are out and you’ll find the top ten below. Along with each company’s 2009 revenue (in billions of USD) and their home country, you will also find a short list of some of the most recognizable products manufactured by each. Keep in mind, only three or four of the drugs patented by each company are present. Several of these global pharmaceutical powerhouses manufacture hundreds of brand name and generic drugs.

1 Pfizer, based in the United States, made 41.7 billion USD in 2009. Established in 1849, Pfizer has been at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry for more than a century. Key products include Lipitor, Viagra, and Xanax.

2 Novartis made a stunning 36.7 billion USD. This Swiss company became Novartis after a 1996 merger. Ritalin, Xolair, and Lamisil are some of the most widely recognized products from this company.

3 Sanofi-Aventis is an innovative French company built from a successful 2004 merger. They made 35.1 billions last year selling drugs like Ambien, Plavix, and Allegra.

4 GlaxoKlineSmith, headquartered in the United Kingdom, continues to introduce great products. Established in 1880, this company became GlaxoKlineSmith in 2000 after another merger. After making 34.3 billion in 2009, GKS is still going strong. Noted products include Advair, Beano, Zantac, and Nicorette.

5 Founded in 1999, Astra Zeneca, a UK based company, made 33.2 billion. Crestor, Prilosec, and Symbicort are some of the many great drugs developed by AstraZeneca.

6 Roche, established in 1896, is one of the leading European pharmaceutical companies. Based in Switzerland, Roche brought in 31.3 billion last year. Valium, Bactrim, Temiflu, and Xenical remain prominent in the global pharmaceutical market.

7 Johnson & Johnson does more than make baby shampoo. Bringing in a respectable 26.9 billion in 2009, this 124 year old American company makes Tylenol, Neosporin, and Imodium.

8 Merck & Co, an American company, was established almost a century ago. Last year, the company made 25 billion dollars. MMR vaccine, Antivenin, and Claritin have changed the way we live our lives.

9 Eli Lilly, established in 1876, made 19.6 billion in 2009. Not only did this American company change the way serious drug addictions are treated, their pharmaceuticals continue to make life easier for millions of people around the world. Methadone, Prozac, Cialis, and Cymbalta are just a few of those drugs.

10 Abbot Laboratories brings up the rear with a hefty 19.4 billion made in 2009. This American company was founded in 1888. Vicodin, Trilipix, and Simcor are all valuable contributions to the world of pharmaceuticals.

Melissa Meyers blogs about the many ways to search through online MHA programs.