Recent developments
Capacity and approvals
CDMOs expanded and cleared facilities. WuXi Biologics advanced its Chengdu microbial commercial manufacturing site toward a 2026 GMP start and obtained MFDS GMP certification and UK MHRA certifications spanning drug substance, fill‑finish and packaging. AGC Biologics won Anvisa GMP in Seattle and supported Waskyra gene therapy approvals. Evonik added downstream fermentation capacity in Slovakia, opened an Open Pharma Lab in Yokohama, and signed to expand its global CRDMO network to the Middle East.
Technology and platforms
Process technologies targeted speed and cost. WuXi launched the PatroLab digital twin platform, advanced digitally‑native operations, and reported WuXia TrueSite CHO performance. Toray unveiled a high‑efficiency separation membrane module for purification, while Croda–Amino prepared BioXPro high‑purity histidine and arginine. AGC’s globally integrated quality system underpinned cross‑regional supply.
Partnering and pipelines
Partnering and pipelines remained active. WuXi signed a license and research service agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals; partnered with Sinorda Biomedicine on SND006, HanchorBio on fusion proteins, and Earendil Labs on antibodies and ADCs. KYORIN licensed novel candidates from UBE. Customer indicators included Merck’s 2025 results and outlook and Lilly initiatives in Philadelphia Gateway Labs and an Indiana clinical‑trials collaboration.
Restructuring, trade, ESG
Restructuring and trade were visible: CELLforCURE sought a buyer for its Les Ulis site; Brenntag agreed a sole distribution partnership with Seqens; and CDMOs readied for ChemSpec Europe via Synthos AGRO and Saltigo. ESG and localization persisted as WuXi earned Sustainalytics Industry and Regional ESG Leader status and S&P Yearbook recognition, while the EIB/EC/IFC backed Biovac’s end‑to‑end vaccine plant in Africa.