INSIGHT. In the pharmaceutical industry, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) have taken on an increasingly central role. Over the past decade, these companies have shifted from being mere manufacturing partners to becoming drivers of innovation and technological development.
To meet the changing demands of the pharmaceutical industry and the growing need for new therapies and pharmaceuticals, many CDMOs have started adapting their business models. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 240 global M&A transactions took place in the sector, with one-third involving new modalities such as cell and gene therapies.
Through strategic acquisitions and investments in new technologies, CDMOs have been able to offer more advanced manufacturing services and have expanded to cover the entire value chain, from preclinical research to commercial launch. By embracing digitalisation and automation, they have further strengthened their leadership in improving efficiency and quality in drug production. This development has established CDMOs as key players in the industry, and their influence is expected to continue growing over the next decade.
