Contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) are no longer behind-the-scenes partners—they’re strategic players shaping the future of drug development. As the pharmaceutical industry navigates increasingly complex science, regulatory pressure, and global uncertainty, CDMOs are being called on to do more: scale fast, innovate constantly, and deliver quality without compromise.
To get a clear view of what’s next, Contract Pharma asked executives across the CDMO sector to share the three key trends they believe will define 2025 and beyond. The result is a candid, forward-looking roundtable that captures both the momentum and the pressure defining today’s market.

From advanced modalities like ADCs, peptides, and mRNA, to the push for domestic manufacturing, end-to-end service models, digital transformation, and true sustainability—these leaders highlight what matters most. Their insights also under-score a growing shift in how CDMOs are valued: not just for capacity, but for expertise, agility, and strategic alignment.

Amid consolidation, geopolitical shifts, and supply chain risk, this feature off ers a look into how top CDMOs are thinking, planning, and investing. Whether it’s adapting to GLP-1 de-mand, embracing AI-driven manufacturing, or building capabili-ties for personalized therapies, these organizations are moving fast—and shaping the playbook for what comes next.

This isn’t trendspotting for the sake of it. These are priorities CDMOs are acting on now—because in this industry, staying ahead means staying relevant. Read on for firsthand insights from leaders who are setting the pace beginning on page 22.

The diversity of perspectives in this roundtable reflects the sector’s growing complexity. Some leaders emphasize scientific innovation—solving bioavailability issues, mastering tech trans-fer, or applying Quality by Design principles upstream. Others focus on infrastructure: building mirrored capabilities across geographies, strengthening cold chain logistics, or upgrading facilities to comply with Annex 1. Still others spotlight macro forces—politics, tariff s, ESG expectations, or shifting patient needs—that are fundamentally changing how CDMOs operate.

What unites these voices is urgency. The expectations placed on CDMOs have never been higher, and the winners will be those who combine execution with vision. Whether you’re a sponsor looking for the right partner or a peer navigating similar challenges, these insights serve as both a temperature check and a blueprint for staying competitive in a fast-evolving space.

Tim Wright
Editor
twright@rodmanmedia.com