The pharmaceutical industry is facing a significant transformation with the emergence of Industry 5.0, shifting its focus towards human-centeredness and sustainability. The right leadership approach is crucial for the successful implementation of this transformation. This exploratory study examines the approaches needed in the context of Leadership 5.0 adoption and its role in advancing human-machine collaboration and sustainable innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. By presenting a network analysis of the scientific literature, it maps the position of the Leadership 5.0 concept in the literature, its relationships with other concepts, and identifies research gaps. The analysis, based on a systematic review of 40 articles from Scopus and Web of Science, shows that research on Leadership 5.0 in the pharmaceutical industry is still in its early stages. This exploratory study lays the groundwork for future empirical research and may support managers and academics in understanding Leadership 5.0 adoption.