Issue: September / October 2023

Pharmaceutical innovation requires efficient production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and the synthesis often involves one or more catalytic steps. Optimizing the catalyst and reaction conditions will result in improved product purity, yield, and safety and such optimization is often accompanied by significant cost reduction. Many companies do not have such capabilities for catalyst screening and optimization studies in-house, due to a lack of continuous need or limited resources to maintain a high-tech laboratory with high throughput testing equipment. In such case, a (pharmaceutical) company has to rely on Contract Research Organizations (CROs) for their catalyst research. Selecting an expert CRO involves assessing their effective communication, scientific knowledge, high throughput infrastructure, unbiased services, flexibility, and quality control. Addressing potential challenges with clear communication, prompt issue resolution, aligned goals, and adaptability is critical. Collaborating with an experienced CRO can accelerate market entry, reduce production costs, and drive competitiveness in the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical industry.

As the pharmaceutical industry undergoes transformations driven by innovation, outsourcing plays a vital role in drug development. Contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) are no longer simply production capacity providers but have become integral collaborative partners. Choosing the right CDMO is crucial amid global trends and events. At Veranova, we work closely with our partners to manage industry demands with confidence. In this article, Ken Zrebiec, Veranova’s Senior VP of Manufacturing Operations, explores how pharma companies leverage specialized CDMO expertise to enhance development capabilities.