Recent developments
Demand and onshoring
Merck began construction of a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, part of broader U.S. investments. Financially, Merck reported Q3 2025 financial results with 4% sales growth, with oncology strength shaping outsourcing across drug substance and fill-finish.
Delivery technologies advance
Oral and nucleic acid delivery capabilities expanded. Evonik introduced GMP-grade EUDRACAP colon capsules for ileo-colonic targeting, later winning the CPHI Excellence in Pharma Award. Nucleic acid platforms advanced via Evonik and Ethris’ LNP collaboration and MGC’s agreement with Cirena on long-chain RNA distribution in Japan.
Process and materials
Process intensification and formulation reliability progressed. Evonik launched Noblyst F catalysts for flow applications, aligning with continuous pharma manufacturing. For injectables, MaxiPure Polysorbate 80 addressed protein stability and oxidative degradation, supporting consistent biologics production.
Biologics CDMO quality
WuXi Biologics highlighted compliance and ESG. Three facilities obtained GMP certification from Turkey’s TITCK, alongside a third consecutive MSCI AAA ESG rating and inclusion in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index. Service performance was noted in a Global Customer Value Leadership recognition.
Capacity and networks
Fill-finish and ATMP capacity expanded. Terumo closed the acquisition of a Drug Product Plant and Quality Control Laboratory in Leverkusen, adding EU vial and prefillable syringe services. A transatlantic ATMP model emerged via BBG Advanced Therapies and CELLforCURE’s partnership.
Macro backdrop
Upstream conditions remained mixed: WACKER’s Q2 2025 earnings reflected lower volumes and utilization, underscoring cautious demand in polymers and biosolutions.