RANKED: These are the most and least reputable drug companies in the world

Glancing at the headlines, it might seem like drug companies have a hard time avoiding anger over the prices of medications.

But public opinions about them have changed in some surprising ways in recent years, especially amid controversies over the high and rising prices of drugs, specifically in the US.

A new analysis from the research consulting firm Reputation Institute evaluated public perceptions of 17 pharmaceutical companies in seven areas: products and services, innovation, workplace, governance, citizenship, leadership, and financial performance. These contribute to companies' "RepTrak" score.

The report drew from 16,800 ratings done by people in eight countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK.

The report found that on average, drug companies' reputations have been going up over the past few years. The company with the highest reputation was AbbVie. Young people aged 18-24 tended to have a lower impression of pharmaceutical companies than older age groups. And of the eight countries included in the survey, those in the US had the most favorable view of the industry.

Check out the Reputation Institute's drug company scores, ranked from lowest to highest: