Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

CDMO

Chemical industry CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organization) news

Recent developments

Global capacity moves

CRDMO footprints expanded as WuXi Biologics signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Free Zones Authority to establish its first Middle East center. Terumo completed the acquisition of a Drug Product Plant in Leverkusen, Germany, adding European fill‑finish. Merck initiated construction of a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, while Lilly will open a new Lilly Gateway Labs site in Philadelphia.

Enabling technologies

Evonik introduced EUDRACAP colon functional capsules and later won the CPHI Excellence in Pharma Award for the targeted, ready‑to‑fill format. Evonik also launched MaxiPure Polysorbate 80 and the Noblyst F catalyst portfolio for flow applications. Croda and Amino will supply BioXPro high‑purity histidine and arginine amino acids for biopharma.

Quality and ESG

WuXi Biologics received GMP certification from Türkiye İlaç ve Tıbbi Cihaz Kurumu (TITCK) for three Wuxi sites. Its operational scale and timelines were highlighted by 2025 Global Customer Value Leadership Recognition. ESG standing strengthened with inclusion in the 2025 Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index.

Advanced modalities and RNA

BBG Advanced Therapies and CELLforCURE formed a partnership to enhance the development and production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products. MGC and Cirena agreed to negotiate an exclusive distribution contract for long‑chain RNA products in Japan. Evonik and Ethris formed a strategic collaboration to develop a novel lipid nanoparticle platform.

Ecosystems and market signals

Lilly and Indiana University entered a five‑year agreement to expand access to clinical trials in Indiana, targeting AI‑enabled infrastructure. Market conditions stayed mixed as WACKER reported sales of €1.41 billion, a 4% decrease from the previous year. Bio‑based supply options grew with Origin by Ocean and CABB collaborating to establish a first‑of‑a‑kind algae biorefinery in Kokkola, Finland.

Latest trends, product updates, and discussions
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New construction vs expansion

Owners & Investors

Top 5 companies involved as owner and/or investor in current and planned CDMO projects:

Merck Merck, Sandoz Sandoz, Lonza Lonza, WACKER WACKER, Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk, WeylChem WeylChem, AGC AGC, Arxada Arxada, and PCI Pharma Services PCI Pharma Services.

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