Newsletter | October 20, 2026

10.20.26 -- Beyond "Subpar Service" And "Difficult Sponsors": The Mutual Enrichment Model

SPONSOR

Webinar: From iPSC Starting Material to Scalable GMP Manufacturing

Developing scalable, high-quality iPSC sources can be complex as cell therapy programs move toward clinical manufacturing. This webinar explores an integrated approach combining GMP iPSC lines, working cell banks, GMP-compatible media, and standardized expansion protocols. Learn how this coordinated system can simplify process development, support reproducible high-volume iPSC feed streams, scale to billions of cells, and enable downstream differentiation. Click here to learn more.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Digging Into Manufacturing Priorities For Viral Vectors

Addressing the complexities of viral vector manufacturing through strategic internalization, advanced technologies, and regulatory excellence is crucial for the future of gene therapies.

Bispecific T- Cell Engager (BiTE) Screening, Automated Pipeline

View automated, high‑throughput BiTE screening in mammalian cells, enabling rapid discovery of efficacious variants through precise genomic integration and scalable workflows.

Efficient Plasmid Linearization: Type I & II Enzymes

Advanced plasmid linearization improves transfection efficiency and gene expression, delivering high-purity DNA with rapid turnaround, low endotoxin, and scalable processes.

FEATURED EDITORIAL

Beyond "Subpar Service" And "Difficult Sponsors": The Mutual Enrichment Model

Subpar customer service at CDMOs is no longer something sponsors tolerate; there’s enough competition where they can move on. The other side of the coin is how difficult sponsors sink to the bottom of CDMO priorities; providers also have options. Here's an analysis less about technical components of outsourcing, and more on mutual satisfactions from working together to fulfill contractual arrangements and missions.

The Case For AI In Biopharma Decision-Making

"I should have known," writes Chief Editor Louis Garguilo, "It takes an accomplished biologist to most effectively describe the significance of artificial intelligence in our outsourcing industry, and put it to practical use." That professional is Damiano Dragone, Founder & Principal Advisor, Dragone Consulting, who built a career across pharmaceutical quality and data-driven quality environments within the biopharmaceutical industry, and was an early proponent of the promise of AI in quality, development and manufacturing, and the supply chain. 

Complete Response Letters For CGTs Share This Common Theme

One expert’s analysis found CMC-related concerns in about 75% of complete response letters. He outlines a path to stronger CMC readiness for cell and gene therapies.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS CONTINUED

POSTmark Autologous: The Case For Manufacturing Continuity

Bridging the gap between early cell therapy development and clinical manufacturing requires operational continuity. Standardizing automated equipment eliminates technology transfer friction.

Accelerating Gene Therapy Tech Transfer With Confidence

Fragmented, manual data practices slow tech transfer and increase risk; centralized digital CMC systems standardize workflows, improve transparency, and accelerate onboarding.

Minimizing Risk In RNA-LNP Encapsulation And Drug Product Manufacturing

Learn about an integrated drug substance/drug product offering for your IND program and beyond, with a holistic approach to ensure process robustness at every stage.

3 Decision Domains Shaping Sterile Drug Product Success

In sterile development, the decisions with the greatest downstream consequences are rarely recognized as such when they are made. Examine how these choices shape program outcomes.

A Platform For Advanced AAV Analytics

Advanced AAV analytics use high‑resolution multiplex platforms to assess genome integrity and capsid traits, improving accuracy, speeding development, and supporting regulatory quality control.

What's The Greatest Risk For CDMOs Ahead?

Economic volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and capacity constraints pose major risks to CDMOs, threatening growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive global market.

Navigating CMC Regulation For Plasmid DNA In Gene Therapy

Explore how evolving regulatory pathways and CMC innovation are shaping the future of gene therapy and viral vector production, plus what to consider when selecting a CDMO partner.

SPONSOR

Enabling Success in Cell & Gene Therapy — October 29 at 11:00 a.m. ET

Explore the technologies, capabilities, and scale-up strategies advancing cell and gene therapy manufacturing. Leading CGT CDMOs will share insights on process development, technology transfer, clinical supply, and commercial readiness, helping sponsors evaluate potential partners and navigate the unique challenges of advanced therapy manufacturing. Learn more.

SOLUTIONS

Simplify Your mRNA Workflow From The Start

Scaling Advanced Therapies And U.S. Biomanufacturing

Comprehensive Testing Services

Plasmid Engineering Services For Enhanced Expression And Improved Yields

Speed, Precision, Impact: The CRO Revolutionizing Bioanalysis

Faster Pathways To High-Performing Production Cell Lines

Enabling The Outcome In EMEA

OUTSOURCED PHARMA CAPABILITIES UPDATE

Find Your New CDMO At Outsourced Pharma Capabilities Update

CDMOs in biologics, cell and gene, and small molecule share their capabilities and available capabilities. See for yourself why this virtual event has become a wildly popular resource to identify options for your development and manufacturing needs.

Connect With Outsourced Pharma: