The Criticality Of API CDMO Selection: Insights From A Client

The global value of the oncology drug market is estimated to reach nearly $180 billion by 2025, making it a targeted area of opportunity for many pharmaceutical companies.¹ Yet, despite its promise, the complexity of cancer and the drugs used to treat it present several risks when it comes to the cost of development and the threat of failure. Small and emerging companies entering this space already face significant challenges related to limited funding and resources, such as technical expertise and capacity, making it imperative they find a competent partner to support them. This requires not just a CDMO that can fill these gaps but also one that values the relationship enough to maintain clear and open lines of communication at every stage of a project. Doing so helps avoid common pitfalls that can result from a lack of transparency, especially for a company taking on the exciting but challenging field of oncology.

Finding this type of partner as it began its journey was top of mind for 4SC AG, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of small-molecule drugs targeting key indications in cancer with high unmet medical needs. With less than 50 people in its company, 4SC sought a CDMO that could provide the know-how and mutual trust necessary for the small company to successfully develop its lead asset, resminostat. It found this partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific Pharma Services, where an experienced team helped 4SC overcome active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing hurdles, leading to a path toward commercial success.