Selecting the right CDMO—Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization—is one of the most critical decisions for pharmaceutical companies today. As drug development pipelines expand, regulatory expectations increase, and global supply chains become more complex, partnering with the right CDMO can determine the success of a pharmaceutical product from development to commercialisation.
India has emerged as a global leader in CDMO services, offering world-class capabilities in formulation development, scale-up, technology transfer, and large-volume manufacturing. The rise of Indian pharma CDMO companies has reshaped global outsourcing strategies, thanks to a powerful combination of cost efficiency, scientific depth, infrastructure scale, quality excellence, and regulatory readiness. As we move into 2026, choosing the Best CDMO in India requires a structured evaluation across several critical dimensions.
1. Infrastructure and Large-Scale Capacity
A top-tier CDMO should have robust, multi-location manufacturing plants with diverse dosage capabilities—oral solids, oral liquids, injectables, derma, ophthalmics, nutraceuticals, and speciality dosage forms. Large-scale infrastructure ensures business continuity, flexibility in batch sizes, and the ability to meet commercial volumes without delay.
Akums operates one of the largest integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing setups in India, featuring advanced plants designed for efficiency, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Its infrastructure depth allows it to manage end-to-end manufacturing across numerous therapeutic categories.
2. Regulatory Compliance and Quality Maturity
The “best CDMO” is defined not just by capacity but by compliance culture. Companies must hold approvals from global agencies and maintain rigorous Quality Management Systems (QMS) covering data integrity, documentation, validation, change control, and continual process monitoring.
When evaluating a partner, consider:
- WHO-GMP, EU, MHRA, TGA, and other international approvals
- Audit history and deviation trends
- Digital quality systems such as QMS, LIMS, MES
- Real-time data and process controls
Akums follows stringent SOPs, global quality frameworks, and audit-ready systems across all facilities, making it a reliable choice for regulated and semi-regulated markets.
3. Technology Maturity and Automation
In , technology is a decisive differentiator for CDMOs. Automation, digitalisation, and AI-enabled systems enhance accuracy, productivity, and compliance.
Evaluate:
- Automated production lines
- Robotics for material handling
- AI-driven quality checks
- Real-time tracking
- Paperless batch records
Akums continues to invest in advanced technology platforms, smart manufacturing systems, and digital integration to ensure predictable quality and faster production cycles.
4. R&D Capabilities and Innovation Strength
A strong R&D backbone is essential for reducing development timelines and creating differentiated products. The best CDMOs offer:
- Strong formulation development teams
- Expertise in complex generics
- Novel drug delivery platforms
- Fast and seamless technology transfer
- Stability and bioequivalence support
These capabilities help partners accelerate launches and stay competitive.
5. Supply Chain Reliability
Consistent supply is a non-negotiable expectation. Evaluate whether the CDMO has:
- Proven supply continuity
- Multiple backward integration channels
- Reliable sourcing frameworks
- Strong vendor management systems
- Risk-mitigation processes for disruptions
Akums excels in supply reliability due to its established vendor ecosystem, long-term partnerships, and streamlined procurement processes.
6. ESG Responsibility and Sustainability
Global pharmaceutical partners increasingly evaluate CDMOs based on environmental and social responsibility. Key indicators include:
- CO₂ reduction initiatives
- Water stewardship
- Energy-efficient operations
- Waste management systems
- Worker safety and zero-harm culture
Akums’ sustainability and zero-harm initiatives reflect a responsible manufacturing philosophy aligned with global ESG expectations.
7. Client Base and Market Reach
A CDMO with a large, diversified client base demonstrates trust, maturity, and consistent performance. Broad market presence means experience in multiple regulatory pathways and international quality needs.
Akums’ Position:
With 1,500+ clients across India and global markets, Akums serves a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical companies and exports extensively, reinforcing its position as one of the Best CDMO in India.
8. Cost Efficiency and Value Creation
India’s advantage lies in efficient cost structures—but the best CDMO offers value beyond cost, including faster turnaround, strong scientific support, and reliable scale-up.
Choosing the Best CDMO in India requires evaluating partners holistically—across infrastructure, compliance, digital maturity, innovation capability, capacity, sustainability, and client credibility. India’s CDMO landscape is stronger than ever, and companies like Akums exemplify the ideal blend of capability, quality, and large-scale manufacturing strength.
