Small Molecules Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Small Molecule Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization Market is Segmented by Product (Small Molecule API, Small Molecule Drug Product (Oral Solid Dose, Semi-Solid Dose, Liquid Dose, and Other Small Molecule Drug Products), Stage Type (Preclinical, Clinical (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV), and Commercial), End User (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Research Institutes and Academics), Therapeutic Area (Cardiovascular Diseases, Oncology, Respiratory Disorders, Neurology, Metabolic Disorders, Infectious Diseases, and Other Therapeutic Areas), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The Report Offers the Market Size in Value Terms in USD for all the Above Mentioned Segments.

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Size

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Market Size (2024) USD 180.52 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 273.70 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 7.27 %
Fastest Growing Market North America
Largest Market Asia Pacific

Major Players

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Compare market size and growth of Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market with other markets in Healthcare Industry

Biotechnology

Pharmaceuticals

Healthcare IT

Medical Devices

Animal Health

Device Drug Combination

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Analysis

The Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market size is estimated at USD 180.52 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 273.70 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.27% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the growth of the small molecule CDMO market. Research groups worldwide implemented various strategies to identify small-molecule drugs to treat COVID-19. For instance, according to the article published in the Nature Journal in April 2022, the SARS-CoV2 3CL protease was identified as a critical drug target for small molecule COVID-19 therapy, given its efficacy and essentiality in the viral maturation and replication cycle. The emergence of such active small molecules for the treatment of COVID-19 significantly contributed to the market's growth. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies were continuously engaged in drug development and collaborated with various CDMOs to manufacture COVID-19 therapeutic products. For instance, in March 2023, Samsung Biologics (CDMO) signed on to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines for Moderna. Hence, the small molecule contract development and manufacturing organization market witnessed growth during the pandemic.

The major factors driving the market's growth are increasing pharmaceutical and biotechnology R&D investment, growing demand for small molecules, and rising incidence of chronic diseases.

Small molecule drugs have more demand since they are way more affordable than biological drugs. They have continuously helped to advance medicine and address unmet medical needs. One of the primary factors responsible for the rise in demand for small-molecule medicines is an increase in regulatory approvals. For instance, in December 2022, the FDA's CDER approved 20 new small molecule drugs, or 63% of the total 32 new drugs approved thus far in 2022. Thus, increasing regulatory approval for small molecules is boosting the demand for small molecule development and manufacturing services and is contributing to the market's growth.

The increasing number of small molecules in the pipeline on expedited regulatory pathways being developed by small and emerging pharma companies and a trend toward greater complexity of chemical structures are contributing to the market's growth. Small molecules are likely to continue to represent the majority of prescribed drugs in the coming years, driving the growth of the CDMO market. Accelerating advancement in research and technology is generating opportunities for biopharmaceutical companies to develop innovative small-molecule drugs. Hence, considering the dominance of this type of medicine on the market, around one-third of the CMOs offer commercial-scale small molecule API as well as advanced intermediates manufacturing, compared to 20% that provide biologic API manufacturing.

Besides, the increasing complexity associated with small molecules also contributes to the market's growth. According to Lonza, the complexity of chemical synthesis has almost doubled from eight chemical steps to an average of 14 in 2021. The development of complex generics in an era of increasing costs and increased focus on global developments and manufacturing operations requires a higher level of expertise. It demands more in-depth planning and a deep understanding of the regulatory, quality, and clinical aspects of small molecule development to bring these drugs to the market. Hence, this is likely to create demand for small molecule CDMO services, thereby contributing to the market's growth over the forecast period.

Furthermore, strategic initiatives taken by market players, such as expansion of services portfolios, mergers, collaboration, and partnerships, are likely to increase demand for these services. This is anticipated to boost the demand for small molecules CDMO services over the forecast period. For instance:

  • In March 2023, Catalent and Grünenthal announced their successful formulation design and clinical-phase manufacturing collaboration for an orally dosed small molecule in Grünenthal's pipeline.
  • In September 2022, Cambrex announced the completion of the first phase of its USD 30 million investment in its small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in High Point, North Carolina.
  • In June 2022, Lonza inaugurated a new clinical phase development and manufacturing facility in its small molecules site in Bend, Oregon. It produces bioavailability-enhancing spray-dried dispersion (SDD) finished dosage forms and drug product intermediates.

Hence, increasing demand for small molecule therapeutics, growing R&D investment for the same, and increasing complexity associated with the manufacturing of small molecules are expected to boost the market over the forecast period. However, stringent government regulations and compliance issues with outsourcing are anticipated to restrain the market over the forecast period.

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Trends

Oncology Segment is Expected to Witness a Major Share in the Market Studied over the Forecast Period

Small molecule drugs have been widely used in cancer treatment procedures for decades for their various benefits, such as high efficacy and selectivity, convenience, ability to penetrate cancerous cells and deliver medication, and wide range of target receptors. Some of the most common small molecule drug compounds used as cancer therapeutics include kinase inhibitors, epigenetic regulatory proteins, DNA damage repair enzymes, and proteasomes.

The increasing prevalence of cancer is fueling the demand for advanced and effective therapeutics, leading to new investments by companies and other stakeholders, like governments, for the identification, testing, and development of novel cancer therapeutics. For instance, according to the Canadian Cancer Society's report of 2022, an estimated 233,900 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2022. Similarly, according to the Cancer Australia data published in May 2022, approximately 14,529 lung cancer cases were diagnosed in Australia in the same year, which is up from 13,810 lung cancer cases in 2021. Thus, the growing burden of cancer is expected to create a demand for drug development and manufacturing services, which is likely to contribute to the segment's growth.

Moreover, strategic activities by market players, such as expansion of services, collaboration, and signing agreements with other companies, are expected to boost the market's growth. For instance, in March 2023, CatSci Ltd partnered with AGC Pharma Chemicals, a global small molecule CDMO. This enables CatSci's customers to harness AGC's expertise in GMP manufacturing from kilos to tonnes to support clinical phase projects, including cancer and infectious diseases. Similarly, in April 2022, Societal CDMO Inc. announced that it was awarded a new manufacturing and packaging task order agreement by the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD).

Hence, the growing burden of cancer, increasing investment for the development of small molecules cancer drugs, and strategic collaboration by the market players are expected to boost the segment's growth.

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market: Estimated Number Of New Cancer Cases (in Million), United States, 2021-2023

North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period

In North America, the small molecules CDMO market is expected to grow due to factors such as established research facilities and high investment in R&D. Furthermore, the strong foothold of key market players and rising grants by the National Institute of Health for developing novel therapeutics in the country are also contributing to the market's growth.

The increasing research and development and strong pipeline of small molecule drugs are expected to boost the demand for CDMO services, contributing to the market's growth. For instance, in January 2022, Sanofi signed a research collaboration and license agreement with Exscientia for the development of up to 15 novel small molecule candidates in the oncology and immunology field. Furthermore, under the agreement, Exscientia and Sanofi work together to identify and choose target projects by utilizing Exscientia's platform for personalized medicine.

The growing trend of outsourcing among pharmaceutical companies is expected to drive the market's growth during the forecast period. For instance, in March 2022, Acanthus Research Inc. announced the launch of Acanthus Pharma Services Inc., a rapidly expanding CDMO organization focusing on providing services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. The company provides organic synthesis services such as specialty chemicals and organic chemistry services. Similarly, in October 2023, Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that it selected Ascendia Pharmaceuticals Inc. to provide services to support the clinical development of OA-201, a novel therapeutic for the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis pain.

Hence, growing R&D investment for the development of small molecules and strategic activities by the market players is expected to boost the market over the forecast period.

Small Molecules Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization Market - Growth Rate by Region

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Industry Overview

The small molecules contract development and manufacturing organization market is consolidated in nature and is highly competitive. The players are engaging in strategic activities such as service expansion, collaboration, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions. Some of the key players in the small molecules CDMO market are Catalent Inc., Lonza, Cambrex Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Labcorp Drug Development, and IQVIA Inc.

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Leaders

  1. Catalent Inc

  2. Lonza

  3. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc

  4. Labcorp Drug Development

  5. Cambrex Corporation

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Concentration
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market News

  • June 2023: Porton Pharma announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art Small Molecule Platform in Shanghai to revolutionize CDMO services. Shanghai's R&D and production facilities are equipped to provide comprehensive solutions for drug substances, drug preparation, synthetic macromolecules, and biological macromolecules.
  • October 2022: Cambrex, a CDMO, announced investing in a new 21,000-square-foot research and development facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to expand its small molecule development and manufacturing capacity.

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definitions
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Increasing Demand for Small Molecule Drugs
    • 4.2.2 Growing Burden of Chronic Diseases
    • 4.2.3 Increasing Pharmaceutical R&D Investments
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Stringent Government Regulations
    • 4.3.2 Compliance Issues with Outsourcing
  • 4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD)

  • 5.1 By Product
    • 5.1.1 Small Molecule API
    • 5.1.2 Small Molecule Drug Product
    • 5.1.2.1 Oral Solid dose
    • 5.1.2.2 Semi-solid Dose
    • 5.1.2.3 Liquid Dose
    • 5.1.2.4 Other Small Molecule Drug Products
  • 5.2 By Stage
    • 5.2.1 Preclinical
    • 5.2.2 Clinical
    • 5.2.2.1 Phase I
    • 5.2.2.2 Phase II
    • 5.2.2.3 Phase III
    • 5.2.2.4 Phase IV
    • 5.2.3 Commercial
  • 5.3 By End User
    • 5.3.1 Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
    • 5.3.2 Research Institutes and Academics
  • 5.4 By Therapeutic Area
    • 5.4.1 Cardiovascular Diseases
    • 5.4.2 Oncology
    • 5.4.3 Respiratory disorders
    • 5.4.4 Neurology
    • 5.4.5 Metabolic disorders
    • 5.4.6 Infectious diseases
    • 5.4.7 Other Therapeutic Areas
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 North America
    • 5.5.1.1 United States
    • 5.5.1.2 Canada
    • 5.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.2 Europe
    • 5.5.2.1 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2.2 Germany
    • 5.5.2.3 France
    • 5.5.2.4 Spain
    • 5.5.2.5 Italy
    • 5.5.2.6 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.3.1 India
    • 5.5.3.2 Japan
    • 5.5.3.3 China
    • 5.5.3.4 Australia
    • 5.5.3.5 South Korea
    • 5.5.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.4 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.4.1 GCC
    • 5.5.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.5.4.3 Rest of the Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5 South America
    • 5.5.5.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.5.2 Argentina
    • 5.5.5.3 Rest of South America

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Company Profiles
    • 6.1.1 Eurofins Scientific
    • 6.1.2 Cambrex Corporation
    • 6.1.3 Catalent
    • 6.1.4 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    • 6.1.5 Jubilant Pharmova Limited
    • 6.1.6 Lonza Group Ltd
    • 6.1.7 Wuxi AppTec
    • 6.1.8 Syngene International Limited
    • 6.1.9 Almac Group
    • 6.1.10 Piramal Pharma Solutions
    • 6.1.11 Recipharm AB
    • 6.1.12 Labcorp Drug Development
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

** Subject To Availablity
**Subject to Availability
**Competitive Landscape Covers - Business Overview, Financials, Products and Strategies, and Recent Developments
You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of the report, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) is an organization that provides clients with comprehensive services from drug development through manufacture. In the small molecule manufacturing sector, CDMOs provide expert development and manufacturing services and are now an essential part of the pharmaceutical industry's value chain. 

The small molecule contract development and manufacturing organization market is segmented by product (small molecule API, small molecule drug product (oral solid dose, semi-solid dose, liquid dose, and other small molecule drug products), stage type (preclinical, clinical (phase I, phase II, phase III, and phase IV), and commercial), end user (pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research institutes and academics), therapeutic area (cardiovascular diseases, oncology, respiratory disorders, neurology, metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and other therapeutic areas), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 countries across major regions globally. The report offers the market size in value terms in USD for all the abovementioned segments.

By Product Small Molecule API
Small Molecule Drug Product Oral Solid dose
Semi-solid Dose
Liquid Dose
Other Small Molecule Drug Products
By Stage Preclinical
Clinical Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Phase IV
Commercial
By End User Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
Research Institutes and Academics
By Therapeutic Area Cardiovascular Diseases
Oncology
Respiratory disorders
Neurology
Metabolic disorders
Infectious diseases
Other Therapeutic Areas
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
By Geography Europe United Kingdom
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Rest of Europe
By Geography Asia-Pacific India
Japan
China
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
By Geography Middle East and Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of the Middle East and Africa
By Geography South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Need A Different Region Or Segment?
Customize Now

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Research Faqs

The Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market size is expected to reach USD 180.52 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 7.27% to reach USD 273.70 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market size is expected to reach USD 180.52 billion.

Catalent Inc, Lonza, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc, Labcorp Drug Development and Cambrex Corporation are the major companies operating in the Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market.

North America is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).

In 2024, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market.

In 2023, the Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market size was estimated at USD 167.40 billion. The report covers the Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.

Small Molecules Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Industry Report

Statistics for the 2024 Small Molecules Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Small Molecules Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization analysis includes a market forecast outlook to for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.

80% of our clients seek made-to-order reports. How do you want us to tailor yours?

Please enter a valid email id!

Please enter a valid message!

Small Molecules Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)