Balancing Innovation and Cost Through the Right Partnership

Facing mounting cost pressures and the logistical challenges of scaling next-generation therapies, biopharma innovators are pivoting towards strategic, integrated outsourcing models, remarks Tom Sellig from Adare Pharma Solutions.

Innovation is thriving within the bio/pharmaceutical industry, as new molecular entities are being explored for a broadening range of therapeutic indications; however, such innovation also bears significant cost burden to innovators, meaning that more companies are turning to service providers to help them advance pipelines in an effective manner. To find out more about trends shaping the outsourcing market, The Pharma Navigator sat down with Tom Sellig, CEO, Adare Pharma Solutions.

Reshaping the Market

TPN: Could you highlight any specific trends that are having a significant impact on the bio/pharma outsourcing market?

Sellig: The outsourcing market is being reshaped by increasingly complex therapies, tighter timelines, and a growing demand for patient-centric dosage forms. Oral solids remain dominant, but formats like ODTs [orally disintegrating tablets] and multiparticulates are driving specialized capabilities. At the same time, sponsors are prioritizing partners with both global scale and agility. Supply chain fragility is accelerating the move towards reshoring and regional supply chains, as well as flexible outsourcing models that balance speed, cost, and security.

Greater Reliance on Partners

TPN: How is the push for greater cost efficiency and affordability, affecting the bio/pharma outsourcing landscape?

Sellig: With cost pressures mounting, sponsors increasingly rely on outsourcing partners that can pair technical innovation with operational efficiency and supply chain security. Integrated, end-to-end solutions reduce handoffs and lower costs. Oral solids remain a proven, cost-effective platform, helping sponsors manage development and manufacturing expenses while delivering reliable, scalable therapies. Agile operations, early tech transfer alignment, and close customer collaboration all play a critical role in minimizing costly delays. Cost efficiency is best achieved through streamlined processes that shorten timelines while ensuring compliance, quality, and security of supply.

Early Integration Necessary

TPN: As next-generation therapies become more prevalent, what specific technological and logistical challenges will CROs and CDMOs need to address to scale production and ensure quality and compliance?

Sellig: As next-generation therapies gain momentum, CDMOs face technological and logistical hurdles in scaling production. Complex formulations demand advanced new technologies such as 3D screen printing, which enables multi-API, multi-release profiles within a single dosage. Today’s therapies are becoming more complex and highly specialized. Managing this complexity requires integrating manufacturing teams early in development. Smooth scale-up depends on structured, risk-based tech transfer protocols. Meeting patient needs demands formulation approaches designed specifically for specialized therapies.

Embracing Technological Advancements

TPN: How are advancements in AI and automation being leveraged by biopharma companies and their outsourcing partners to improve R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain efficiency?

Sellig: AI and automation are transforming how outsourcing partners manage R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain operations. Predictive analytics are an important innovation, giving CDMOs the ability to maintain continuity by spotting risks earlier. Digital platforms streamline documentation and enhance quality oversight in an increasingly demanding regulatory environment. Automated packaging and serialization improve traceability and compliance across global supply chains. Therapies that are growing more specialized, and AI-driven development tools can play in invaluable role in accelerating the design of these complex formulations. By embracing technological advancements, CDMOs can provide smarter, faster, and seamless support that help programs advance efficiently even as complexity intensifies.

Criticality of Diversified Sourcing

TPN: With an increasing focus on supply chain security and geopolitical tensions, what strategies can service providers employ to mitigate risks associated with international outsourcing?

Sellig: Global supply chains have faced extraordinary challenges in recent years. Global supply chain disruptions place sponsors under intense stress to maintain continuity, and CDMOs must respond by offering more stability, greater flexibility, and faster turnaround. To safeguard supply chains, CDMOs must build resilient, regionally secure global networks. Strong regional presence in key markets builds resilience by anchoring supply chains near sponsors and patients. Diversified sourcing is critical when materials become constrained. Responsive infrastructure is vital to keeping projects on track even in times of disruption.

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