The pharmaceutical sector specializing in rare diseases continues to grow in Spain and already accounts for nearly 7,000 jobs, including both direct and indirect positions. In addition, companies plan to continue expanding their workforces in 2026 after creating more than 800 new jobs last year.
This is evident from the first Employment Snapshot of the pharmaceutical sector specializing in rare diseases, prepared by AdQualis Human Results in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Orphan and Ultra-Orphan Drug Laboratories (AELMHU), based on a sample of more than 30 companies operating in Spain.
The companies analyzed account for 5,210 direct jobs and generate an additional 1,752 indirect jobs through contract research organizations (CROs), logistics companies, and other specialized suppliers. In practice, for every three direct jobs, approximately one indirect job is created.
The report highlights that the sector maintains a high level of job stability. Ninety-four percent of workers have permanent contracts, and 97 percent work full time. In addition, a high level of education is one of the sector’s defining characteristics: 88 percent of the workforce holds a college degree.
Activity is concentrated primarily in Madrid and Catalonia. While the capital is home to most corporate headquarters and market access departments, Catalonia is establishing itself as one of the sector’s main operational hubs.
Forecasts also point to growth. After hiring more than 800 professionals in 2025, companies expect to hire about 200 more people in 2026, which would represent an average increase in headcount of 5 percent.
The study also highlights some future challenges. Companies acknowledge difficulties in finding specialized talent, particularly Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), market access experts, and sales professionals with experience in rare diseases. At the same time, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and data analysis are among the key areas where training will need to be strengthened.
Another distinguishing feature of the sector is its close relationship with patients. Eighty-eight percent of companies develop collaborative programs with patient organizations—an engagement that, according to the report, helps attract and retain talent by offering professionals a job with a significant social impact.
The report concludes that companies specializing in rare diseases have established themselves as a driver of skilled and stable employment, with the capacity to continue growing and tackle the challenges of a field that is key to biomedical innovation.