The Crossroads of the CDMO Industry

CDMO stands for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization. It primarily provides multinational pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms with services including clinical-stage drug process development and manufacturing, as well as process optimization and large-scale production for marketed drugs. Prior to the 1990s, independent CDMOs were relatively rare; instead, surplus production capacity from pharmaceutical companies and fine chemical enterprises mainly engaged in CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) activities. However, by the mid-to-late 1990s, as many blockbuster drugs held by major pharmaceutical companies reached patent expiry, their profitability declined sharply. Consequently, these companies sold off manufacturing facilities to reduce capital and personnel expenditures. CDMOs rapidly expanded by acquiring high-quality production capacity. Meanwhile, innovative biopharmaceutical companies gradually matured and went public, adopting asset-light operational models that significantly increased demand for CDMO services—ushering in a golden decade for the overseas CDMO industry. China’s CDMO industry did not begin its leap forward until after 2015. In 2015, the State Council issued a policy document proposing a pilot program for the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) system, which officially commenced in 2016. Coupled with the China National Medical Products Administration’s (NMPA) clinical trial reform launched in 2015—which ignited enthusiasm for innovative drug investment—China’s CDMO sector entered a period of rapid growth. The MAH system decoupled the previous mandatory integration of R&D and manufacturing, thereby enhancing incentives for pharmaceutical R&D and strongly promoting the development of China’s CDMO industry. According to Frost & Sullivan’s report, 'Current Status and Future Trends of the CDMO Market,' China’s CDMO market size grew from RMB 13.2 billion in 2017 to RMB 47.3 billion in 2021, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.7%. Stages of CDMO Industry Development Foreign enterprises have contributed substantially to China’s CDMO industry—not only advancing domestic regulatory policies but also introducing advanced corporate management practices, process development capabilities, and large-scale manufacturing expertise, while cultivating a large pool of industry talent. Lonza, mentioned above, is an international enterprise with over 30 years of dedicated experience in the CDMO sector. It possesses extensive, proven expertise in international development, manufacturing, regulatory registration, and supply chain management, backed by a quality assurance system meeting stringent international standards. Lonza also has a strong track record of successful regulatory filings—including IND and BLA submissions—for biologics in China, Europe, and the U.S. While generating profits in China, Lonza has also left behind advanced management philosophies, technical standards, and skilled professionals. In addition to Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck KGaA (Germany), and Celltrion (South Korea) all previously pursued aggressive expansion strategies into the Chinese market. However, circumstances have changed: most of these foreign CDMOs have now scaled back their China operations due to strategic considerations. This retreat is directly linked to the rise of domestic CDMOs, which have captured substantial market share. Crisis Arrives The ascent of domestic CDMOs is historically inevitable. From a policy perspective, a series of pharmaceutical industry regulations and institutional reforms—including the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) system, reforms to new drug review and approval procedures, volume-based procurement, and medical insurance negotiation mechanisms—have collectively created a favorable environment for the development of China’s CDMO industry.

Investment Analysis and Forecast Report on China’s Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Industry: Market Size and Outlook, 2026–2032

5.2.3 Parchem Fine and Specialty Chemicals: Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Sales Volume, Revenue, Pricing, and Gross Margin (2019–2026) 5.2.4 Parchem Fine and Specialty Chemicals: Company Profile and Core Business Activities 5.2.5 Parchem Fine and Specialty Chemicals: Latest Corporate Developments 5.3 Santa Cruz Biotechnology 5.3.1 Santa Cruz Biotechnology: Basic Information, Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Production Base, Sales Regions, Competitors, and Market Position 5.3.2 Santa Cruz Biotechnology: Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Product Specifications, Technical Parameters, and Market Applications 5.3.3 Santa Cruz Biotechnology: Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Sales Volume, Revenue, Pricing, and Gross Margin (2019–2026) 5.3.4 Santa Cruz Biotechnology: Company Profile and Core Business Activities 5.3.5 Santa Cruz Biotechnology: Latest Corporate Developments 5.4 Abcr GmbH 5.4.1 Abcr GmbH: Basic Information, Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Production Base, Sales Regions, Competitors, and Market Position 5.4.2 Abcr GmbH: Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Product Specifications, Technical Parameters, and Market Applications 5.4.3 Abcr GmbH: Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Sales Volume, Revenue, Pricing, and Gross Margin (2019–2026) 5.4.4 Abcr GmbH: Company Profile and Core Business Activities 5.4.5 Abcr GmbH: Latest Corporate Developments 5.5 Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich) 5.5.1 Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich): Basic Information, Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Production Base, Sales Regions, Competitors, and Market Position 5.5.2 Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich): Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Product Specifications, Technical Parameters, and Market Applications 5.5.3 Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich): Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Sales Volume, Revenue, Pricing, and Gross Margin (2019–2026) 5.5.4 Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich): Company Profile and Core Business Activities 5.5.5 Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich): Latest Corporate Developments 5.6 Fluorochem 5.6.1 Fluorochem: Basic Information, Lauryl Methacrylate Reagent Production Base, Sales Regions, Competitors, and Market Position

Lonza to Acquire Merck KGaA’s Contract Manufacturing Business

Nov 3, 2026

Lonza agrees to acquire Merck KGaA’s drug services business, adding five US manufacturing sites and doubling its US footprint. The undisclosed deal value is estimated in the low- to mid-triple-digit millions of Swiss francs.

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Lonza to Acquire Merck KGaA’s Contract Manufacturing Business

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