Why pharma’s CDMO boom is becoming more uneven

Outsourced manufacturing has become part of the basic infrastructure of the pharma industry. Large drugmakers use it for flexibility, specialist capacity and regional supply. Smaller biotechs use it because most cannot build plants of their own.

The model is still growing, but it is becoming more uneven. Demand is moving toward products that are harder to manufacture, including biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, radiopharmaceuticals, cell therapies, peptides and sterile injectables. These products need specific equipment, experienced staff, validated processes and strong quality systems.