BMY is not the standard bearer, the standard bearers are the like of PFE, MRK and JNJ in that corner(JNJ is probably the best because of its exposure both to consumer type products ans well as medical instruments such as their Ethicon division and their stent work. Of course, it is selling at a slight premium to the sector because of that.
As the number of uninsured people in the US continues to rise, insurance companies tightening the screws--which they take more seriously now than ever-- and with the general public wise to the ways of obtaining cheaper meds, I think the immediate future looks murky for "Big Pharma." BMY is now considering recalling Serzone from the Canadian market because of liver-damage problems. Drug companies are under pressure from all sides. Exactly when they will be good investments again is anyone's guess.