CDMO outsourcing - Where do we go from here?

In this report we have assessed multiple strategies for selecting an outsourcing partner, as well as taking a broad look at the CDMO market for API and finished formulations of innovative solid dose drugs. We have examined the shift in development models and explored the additional complexities of accelerated pathways. And crucially, we have established several key trends shaping the sector.

Perhaps the most consequential learning of this report relates to the fact that innovators are making outsourcing decisions much earlier than before. Our experts were unanimous in their recommendation to develop a roadmap from the outset and stressed the importance of process development as early as the pre-clinical phase.

Similarly, we have established that robust development planning makes biotechs significantly more attractive to investors, and we have seen a marked shift away from phase-appropriate development strategies.

Most importantly, however, this report contains a range of actionable suggestions from experts across all corners of the industry, including biotech, Big Pharma, CDMO, and pharmaceutical consulting. Given the current level of demand, we predict that the CDMO market will continue on its current trajectory and the challenges we have addressed in this report will not only remain relevant, but will become even more critical. All CDMOs are expanding and our experts foresee that perhaps some of today’s niche players will quickly grow to become mid-sized CDMOs to fill the current major disparity in the overall market.

With all of these factors in mind, innovators should focus on establishing solid relationships with vendors, built on fluid communication and alignment on business goals. Companies that are able to form these partnerships now will reap the benefits in the future. However, access to your perfect CDMO partner should not be taken as a given and innovators need to get out among the market – whether at events like CPHI Frankfurt or in person and onsite – and see what best fits their product, their company, and their culture.