CPHI Frankfurt 2025: The Benefits of an Aligned and Integrated Approach

According to Kevin Li from BioDuro, bio/pharma partnerships are most successful when the parties involved are aligned, operating as one team with mutual trust and long-term vision.

Partnering with the right service provider can be hugely beneficial for many innovators in the bio/pharma space, but how do companies select the best partner for their project to ensure success? “Building a consistent and reliable supply for bio/pharma partners starts with a foundation of quality, trust, and robustness,” comments Kevin Li, MBA, Chief Marketing Officer for BioDuro — a contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO).

“When evaluating CDMOs, bio/pharma companies should look beyond capacity and cost. Quality and compliance are, for sure, non-negotiable [when evaluating a potential relationship],” Li asserts. If a partner can demonstrate a strong track record with global regulators it will give sponsor companies confidence to move forward with the relationship, he adds.

Supply chain robustness is also a critical consideration for sponsor companies when approaching a partnership, Li continues. To gain a better understanding of a partner’s capabilities with regards to the supply chain, sponsors should be looking at whether or not they have dual sourcing of critical materials, the strength of their vendor management network, what the risk management plan is like, and if there is a business continuity plan in place for any potential unforeseen events, he notes.

“Another critical piece is about collaboration: trust and flexibility make all the difference,” Li asserts. “The best CDMOs can quickly adapt to customers' needs, scaling production, managing technology transfers smoothly, and keeping schedules on track, even under pressure.”

Furthermore, reliability in a relationship is not simply about processes, it is about being a true partner, Li emphasizes. “The most successful relationships go beyond just the transactions. They are built on cultural alignment, shared values, and a common mindset toward quality, innovation, and accountability,” he says. “So, when both sides, operate as one team, with mutual trust and a long-term vision, that's when you can achieve a truly resilient and reliable supply chain.”

Focusing on early development services, which are increasingly in demand, Li reveals that the biggest bottleneck experienced by CROs is usually related to scientific complexity and technical capabilities. The complex modalities that are coming through the development pipeline, such as antibody-drug conjugates, PROTACs, and peptides, require specialized expertise and facilities, he specifies. “Addressing these challenges requires CDMOs and CROs to continuously invest in capabilities, building dedicated teams, upgrading facilities, adopting advanced technologies, and expanding analytical expertise,” Li adds.

“Another bottleneck, in my view, is fragmented outsourcing,” Li asserts. “Handling molecules between multiple vendors, oftentimes causes delays, knowledge gaps, and even IP [intellectual property] risks. So, that's why innovators benefit most from an integrated platform approach.”

Click the video above to view the full interview

BioDuro can be found in Hall 6.1 Booth #C4 at CPHI Frankfurt.

About the Speaker

Kevin Li, MBA, is the Chief Marketing Officer for BioDuro.

Kevin joined BioDuro with over 15 years of industry experience. Prior to BioDuro, Kevin led global marketing and public relations teams across the US and China for the WuXi Chemistry division at WuXi AppTec, and led global marketing efforts for the Oral Dose, Rx and OTC Softgel Business Units at Catalent Pharma Solutions. Earlier in his career, Kevin held marketing roles at ConvaTec and Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) in addition to scientist roles at Pfizer (Hospira) and AbbVie. Kevin studied chemistry at Northwestern University and business administration at Duke University.

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