Developing a new drug is not a single-step process. A molecule has to move through discovery, preclinical research, formulation, clinical development, regulatory requirements, manufacturing, and finally commercial production.
This is why many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies work with contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and contract research, development and manufacturing organizations (CRDMOs). These partners can reduce the need to build every capability internally and help companies move from an early molecule toward commercial production.
Lonza: Broad Development and Manufacturing Capabilities
Lonza is one of the major global CDMO providers, supporting both small- and large-molecule programs.
According to its 2025 annual report, Lonza had around 20,000 employees, more than 30 global development and manufacturing sites, and supported more than 1,110 small- and large-molecule programs. Its 2025 sales reached CHF 6.53 billion, showing the scale of its operations.
Its capabilities cover APIs, drug product, biologics, bioconjugates, and cell and gene therapy manufacturing.
Thermo Fisher Scientific: From Development to Commercial Supply
Thermo Fisher Scientific provides pharmaceutical services through its Patheon brand, covering drug development, clinical trial services, logistics, and commercial manufacturing.
The company says its pharma-services network has more than 60 locations across 24 countries, providing capabilities including API, biologics, viral vectors, cell therapy, formulation, clinical supply, packaging, and commercial manufacturing.
There is also useful evidence of its development scale. In 2024, Patheon managed 386 active oral solid-dose development projects and had more than 250 active technology-transfer projects across its network.
WuXi AppTec: An Integrated CRDMO Model
WuXi AppTec follows an integrated CRDMO model, combining research, development, testing, and manufacturing.
The company supports drug discovery through preclinical and clinical development and commercial manufacturing. Its capabilities include small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, and complex conjugates.
WuXi AppTec reported approximately 39,414 employees at the end of 2024 and around 6,000 active customers. Its 2024 revenue was approximately RMB 39.24 billion.
Samsung Biologics: Strong Focus on Biologics Production
Samsung Biologics is particularly important for companies developing biologic medicines.
The company currently reports 785,000 liters of total biopharmaceutical production capacity, including 780,000 liters of commercial production capacity across five plants and 5,000 liters for clinical manufacturing.
Its scale makes it an important option for developers requiring large-volume biologics manufacturing and commercial supply.
A Quick Comparison
| Company | Key capability | Scale indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Lonza | Small & large molecules, biologics, CGT | 20,000 employees; 30+ sites |
| Thermo Fisher/Patheon | Development, clinical supply, biologics & commercial manufacturing | 60+ sites; 24 countries |
| WuXi AppTec | Discovery, development, testing & manufacturing | 39,400 employees; ~6,000 customers |
| Samsung Biologics | Biologics development & manufacturing | 785,000 L capacity |
What Should Drug Developers Consider?
The largest provider is not necessarily the best fit for every drug. Companies should compare technical capabilities, manufacturing capacity, regulatory experience, quality systems, development timelines, geographic footprint, technology-transfer capabilities, and commercial-scale readiness.
For an early-stage biotech, flexible development and analytical support may be most important. A late-stage pharmaceutical company may instead prioritize validated manufacturing capacity, regulatory experience, supply reliability, and the ability to scale quickly.
Overall, Lonza, Thermo Fisher Scientific/Patheon, WuXi AppTec, and Samsung Biologics are important companies to evaluate when looking for comprehensive drug development and production support.
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