Biopharma Outsourcing has come a long way in recent times. From assigning only commoditized work to service providers, it has progressed to partnering with them. Reasons include access to specific technologies, skills, and scientific expertise not possessed in-house. As a result, the criteria for choosing an outsourcing partner (contract research or contract development and manufacturing organizations [CRO/CDMO]) have also changed.

In this point of view, we discuss the criteria that have emerged as more important for selecting an outsourcing partner consequent to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The criteria are based on customer feedback and recent meetings with prospects, peers, and partners during on-ground biopharma events across the US, Europe, Australia, Japan, and the rest of the world.