Feature Article: Critical Issues In Outsourcing to a CMO

By Eric S. Langer

Deciding to outsource biopharmaceutical manufacturing is a strategic decision with long-term consequences. Most companies deliberate carefully as they select a contract manufacturing organization (CMO). Because the factors involved in such deliberations vary widely among organizations — and they shift over time — my company has included an analysis of critical outsourcing issues as part of its fifth annual report and survey of biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and production.

In this year's study of 434 global biomanufacturing facilities, we found the most important issue (as indicated by 43.6% of respondents) to be control of capacity, offering a secure supply of products (Figure 1). Following that were establishing a good working relationship and demonstrating a track record with similar products, as indicated by 41.4%, for each.

Reprinted With Permission From BioProcess International

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