A Shifting CDMO Landscape: The Rise of High-Science, High-Touch

In a rapidly evolving drug development environment, capacity alone is no longer enough. In this article, AustinPx Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Hickman unpacks how the CDMO landscape is shifting toward a “high-science, high-touch” model, one that prioritizes deep technical expertise alongside strong client collaboration. The article argues that success now hinges on more than just timelines and throughput. CDMOs must be built to solve complex formulation problems and deliver the kind of service that fosters long-term, strategic partnerships. This piece outlines what it takes to meet those expectations and why the most valuable CDMO relationships start with science and stay personal.