Issue No. 70&71 - October 2026
Discover our latest edition featuring strategic CDMO insights, investment perspectives and industry analysis.
Market Intelligence
A Nimble Approach with CRDMOs
and Commercial Partners
Gates MRI, as an affiliate of the Gates Foundation, accelerates the development and
delivery of lifesaving medical innovations to address unmet needs in low- and middleincome countries (LMICs). We are shifting to a CRDMO model with strategic partner(s)
who can support building an efficient and nimble network in LMICs that will prioritize
access-driven decisions from the beginning of and throughout the development process
FINANCE &aamp; M&A
Financial performance analysis of ten global CDMOs: Lonza,
Samsung Biologics, WuXi Biologics, WuXi AppTec, Siegfried, Bachem,
PolyPeptide Group, Bora Pharmaceuticals/Bora Biologics, Asymchem and Pharmaron
In the first half of 2026, the ten groups in the panel all recorded revenue growth,
but with performances varying significantly from one player to another. Growth
was concentrated mainly in assets already operating at high utilisation levels, the
most advanced programmes, and specialised modalities.
Corporate Strategy
Strategic choices to expand their markets
Which areas of expertise should CDMOs invest in, which capacities
should they develop, and how can they strengthen relationships
with pharmaceutical companies? PHARMAnetwork invited the
CEOs of eleven CDMOs — Olon, BSP Pharmaceuticals, Famar,
Unither Pharmaceuticals, Vetter, CordenPharma Group,
Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, PCI Pharma Services,
Siegfried, Fareva, Simtra — to outline their strategies
for 2026 and the years ahead. Their contributions
shed light on choices with lasting implications
for their businesses.
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE
A New Framework for CDMOs
to Anticipate
From 9 December 2026, Directive (EU) 2024/2853
on liability for defective products will replace Directive
85/374/EEC for all products placed on the market or put
into service after that date, while earlier products will
remain subject to the previous regime.
This new maximum-harmonisation directive marks
a turning point for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical
supply chain and CDMOs: it broadens the definition of
“product” to include software, AI systems, integrated
digital services, and manufacturing files, while introducing
the concepts of placing on the market and putting into
service, which are better suited to medical devices and
healthcare products incorporating digital technologies
