Abstract: The pharmaceutical industry operates in a complex and highly regulated environment where cost accounting plays a pivotal role in ensuring both operational efficiency and financial transparency. This paper explores the main cost accounting methods applicable to pharmaceutical production and distribution, focusing on their relevance for pricing, efficiency, and strategic decision-making. Drawing upon international studies and institutional reports (IFPMA, KPMG, EFPIA, WHO), the paper compares traditional methods such as absorption and marginal costing with modern approaches, including activity-based costing (ABC) and process costing adapted to pharmaceutical operations. The study highlights how cost allocation directly influences the evaluation of R&D expenditures, regulatory compliance costs, and the management of fixed versus variable production costs. It further examines how companies integrate cost accounting into ethical and strategic frameworks to balance profit motives with public health responsibilities. By combining literature-based analysis with empirical evidence from industry reports, the article contributes to a better understanding of how cost accounting systems can enhance financial efficiency while supporting equitable access to medicines. Keywords: cost accounting, pharmaceutical industry, pricing strategy, efficiency, management control JEL Classification: M41, I11, L65, O32