
Maximising the CDMO performance

The pharmaceutical CDMO sector in Europe is rapidly evolving, driven by growing demand for specialized drug development, manufacturing, and packaging services. As therapies become more complex, CDMOs must invest in expertise, advanced infrastructure, and cutting-edge technologies to stay competitive.
Focusing on the European pharmaceutical outsourcing landscape, the following data underlines the sector’s growth:
- Market Size: The European CDMO market is projected to grow from €36 billion in 2025 to €67 billion by 2034. In 2023, it accounted for 23% of global pharmaceutical sales.
- Market Infrastructure: By 2025, Europe will host 337 CDMOs and 552 Finished Dosage Form (FDF) facilities, supporting the pharmaceutical outsourcing ecosystem.
- Investment Trends: Since 2020, over 100 CDMO-related deals have taken place in Europe. The peak occurred in 2021 with 34 transactions, largely driven by COVID-19-related demand. In 2024, 15 new deals were recorded, continuing to steer capital toward innovation, specialization, and next-generation manufacturing technologies.
Driving Revenue Growth
CDMOs can achieve sustainable revenue growth through strategies such as offering integrated end-to-end services, forging early-stage biotech partnerships, and investing in flexible production capabilities that align with market dynamics and emerging therapeutic needs.
Enhancing Cost Efficiency
Optimising costs involves improving capacity utilisation, managing the geographic spread of facilities, and building a resilient and agile supply chain capable of responding to global disruptions and regulatory shifts.
Fostering Innovation and Ensuring Compliance
Digital transformation, particularly the integration of AI technologies, enables CDMOs to streamline operations and enhance responsiveness to market changes. However, maintaining regulatory compliance – especially in areas such as drug approval protocols and environmental regulations – is essential for long-term viability and success.
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