The cover story for this March issue of Contract Pharma takes a look at 5 trends shaping the year. The article’s author, Carsten Press from Vetter Pharma, sees great promise ahead as the biopharma industry, which has made an incredible impact on the world over the last two years, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global health. However, while there is no doubt great opportunity in today’s biopharma market, Press says there are major shifts happening that need to be expertly managed to sustain the industry’s success. The article addresses:

• Market stability with more opportunities for trailblazers;
• The rise of third wave biotech;
• Sustainable biopharma;
• Accelerating digital transformation; and
• More strategic collaborations.

You can read about these trends in The 2022 Value Chain beginning on page 24.

In this issue we also feature the “22nd Annual Manufacturing Supplement,” published alongside sister publication, Nutraceuticals World. Beginning on page S-1 (35), the special section kicks off with the 2022 Contract Manufacturing Survey on page S-4. Our fifth annual audience survey reveals continued value in contract manufacturing partners.

When asked what was the most important factor in deciding to outsource manufacturing, the majority (36%) cited a lack of resources and expertise. Wanting to focus on other business priorities (24%) and saving money (22%) were again other key factors when companies turn to contract manufacturers. When it comes to choosing a contract manufacturer to partner with, quality certification was the most important factor respondents cited (31%). Industry reputation ranked second (20%) while having the ability to offer turnkey services (17%) was close behind in third.

As part of the supplement this year we also cover:

• Nutraceutical Manufacturing: Challenges & Certification     Standards (S-10)
• Managing Supply Chains & Improving Customer Loyalty (S-12)
• Oral Solids Market Update (S-16)
• Artificial Intelligence & Pharma Manufacturing (S-20)

Moving along, today’s growing pipeline of biologics and COVID vaccine production is driving unprecedented growth in the injectables space, according to Contract Pharma’s Kristin Brooks in Parenteral Market Trends on page 28. Brooks offers insights into the parenteral and fill-finish manufacturing markets, addressing opportunities and recent investments in the space. With close to 500 parenteral drugs in the pipeline as of 2018, market research firm Fact.MR says the parenteral drugs market is poised to reach a staggering valuation of $802 billion by the end of 2029.

In addition to these features there is much more content in the pages that follow and as always, we welcome your feedback. Hope you enjoy the issue.

Tim Wright, Editor
twright@rodmanmedia.com