Find a drug contract manufacturer that provides a full-service menu

Avoid using a pharmaceutical contract manufacturer too small to handle more than one job, leaving you with the headache of managing a long supply chain with small links. A pharmaceutical manufacturing company today should be able to handle a number of tasks, allowing you to concentrate on higher-end R&D.

I recommend: Located in Canada, Contract Pharmaceuticals Limited concentrates on customer-centric, full-service outsourcing, from manufacturing and packaging to testing services. NHK Laboratories, Inc. manufactures a wider variety of products, in both the pharmaceutical and "nutraceutical" market - both dietary supplements and functional foods.

Match the contract manufacturer to your pharmaceutical formulations

Choose a drug contract manufacturer that can handle the level of complexity your product development team specializes in.

I recommend: Ben Venue Laboratories claims the lead in freeze-drying and vacuum-drying sterile pharmaceuticals. Biotest Laboratories' ISO-accredited services include consulting and training along with product testing, cleanroom certification and contract manufacturing.

Go global in your search for drug contract manufacturers

Not only does outsourcing make sense financially, but an individual company must now consider the political landscape when outsourcing. Source contract manufacturers either as close to your products' markets as you can, or in a neutral territory. Also maintain multiple outlets, as global hot spots wax and wane - any given region can be a political asset one moment and a liability the next.

I recommend: Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. claims to be one of the largest vertically integrated pharmaceutical manufacturers in India. Located in Switzerland, ADD Technologies Ltd concentrates on delivery systems for the pharmaceuticals you develop.