Does the Role of CDMO Need to Evolve?
January 14, 2026
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9 min
Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) are pivotal in aiding pharmaceutical innovation, especially as geopolitical dynamics and complex drug molecules challenge traditional operational models. Mat Minardi from Sterling Pharma Solutions emphasizes the need for CDMOs to rethink their talent deployment and establish strategic long-term partnerships with big pharma. As drug development accelerates, organizations must adapt to provide efficient, cost-effective solutions while navigating pressures on funding and market readiness, ensuring patient-centric outcomes remain paramount.
1. CDMOs help to drive pharmaceutical innovation. 2. Outsourcing models are challenged by geopolitical volatility. 3. Evolving partnerships with big pharma are becoming crucial. 4. The Extended Bench model allows flexible access to scientific expertise. 5. Talent competition is increasing due to specialized drug development needs.
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