Choosing the right Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO)

Recently, Pharma IQ compiled a list of the top ten CMOs in drug discovery for 2018. The piece got us thinking…

The CMO market is on the rise, and predictions estimate it will reach US$205.104 billion by 2021. This phenomenal rise can be attributed to rising medicine prices and the need for manufacturers to shrink their base of contacts whilst maintaining their global reach and access to technologies.

So, how do you choose the right CMO?

Outsourcing is critical for pharmaceutical and biologic manufacturers. Choosing the right partner is integral to success.

CMOs give pharmaceutical and biologic manufacturers one of the most important assets in today’s fast-paced world: time. By outsourcing manufacturing processes, pharmaceutical and biologic manufacturers can free-up the internal resources required to prioritise internal capacities and enhance process efficiencies.

Key requirements for manufacturers

Cutting costs isn’t (and shouldn’t be) the primary factor for pharmaceutical and biologic manufacturers in choosing the right organisation for outsourcing. Technological capabilities, access to specialized technologies, quality and transparency of service and the geographical location of the CMO are key differentiators according to participants in the 2017 NICE insight CDMO Outsourcing survey.

Getting the relationship right

However, those doing the outsourcing must also keep in mind that no relationship is one-way, expectations should be realistic. When employing a CMO both parties need to be aware of compliance liabilities attached to the products in question. Compliance of the CMO needs to be monitored by the contractor, while also assisting with the deployment of risk prevention action plans. Overall transparency, managing expectations and a clear vision of strategy in the communication process remains a vital ingredient for a blooming relationship.