How Biotech Innovators are Using Integrated CDMO and CRO Services to Help Reach Patients Faster 

A recent Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (CSDD) study highlights how integrated CDMO and CRO services are enabling emerging biotech companies to reach key milestones faster and more confidently. 

Table of Contents

• Overview: Biotech’s Evolving Outsourcing Needs
• When the Stakes are High and Delivery Feels Urgent 
• The Important Value of Integration for Drug Development
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Explore Accelerator™ Drug Development by Thermo Fisher Scientific

Article Summary 

• Key takeaway: Using one company with integrated CDMO/CRO, clinical supplies, and lab services helps deliver time savings and positive eNPV and ROI across all phases of drug development, whether the customer utilizes services in just one or in many phases.
• Key results¹: The Tufts CSDD study shows that utilization of integrated CDMO and CRO services achieved: 
  • Up to 34 months reduction in development timelines 
  • Up to 113x ROI and $63M expected Net Present Value (eNPV)
  • Positive financial impact and value across a variety of scenarios and service offerings, with more value achieved incrementally the more services are added  
• How can we help? Accelerator™ Drug Development by Thermo Fisher Scientific provides: 
  • CDMO, CRO and clinical supply services 
  • Support across major drug modalities and therapeutic areas
  • Pre-IND through commercialization and post-approval 
  • Customized solutions for unique client needs

Overview: Biotech’s Evolving Outsourcing Needs

To quantify the impact of integrated development services, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (Tufts CSDD) conducted a comprehensive study analyzing drug development programs across different outsourcing models.  

To measure the impact of integration, the Tufts researchers used a risk-adjusted valuation framework called expected net present value (eNPV). This approach evaluates the lifecycle costs, risks, and returns of pharmaceutical development projects, quantifying the incremental value of services integrated under a single-partner model versus traditional multi-vendor approaches. (Note: eNPV is not cost savings; it is a financial metric quantifying the potential value of time savings.)²

It was found that using one partner with integrated CDMO, CRO, clinical supplies, and lab services helps deliver time savings which translates into positive eNPV and ROI in all phases of drug development, whether the customer utilizes services in just one or across many phases. 

Example findings by modality: 

In some cases, programs achieved up to 34 months in time savings and a 113x return on investment (ROI)—a compelling case for biotech innovators seeking efficiency without sacrificing control. ² 

When the stakes are high and delivery feels urgent 

In the high-stakes world of biotech, every day counts. As you take on increasingly complex programs—from advanced modalities to rare diseases—you need experience and infrastructure that moves with you. 

We support this need by integrating scientific, operational, and regulatory functions with a single partner. Accelerator™ Drug Development helps reduce operational delays, maintains data continuity, and streamlines decision-making through real-time collaboration. 

The important value of integration for drug development 

Here are the benefits of Accelerator™ Drug Development that differentiate our model: 

• Customized solutions: CDMO and CRO solutions tailored to meet your unique needs
• Proactive risk mitigation: Full program oversight helps identify potential issues before they arise and enables proactive implementation of solutions
• Increased data visibility and sharing: Integrated data platforms and analysis across services to optimize your journey
• Time savings: Helps reduce timeline gaps, encourages faster issue resolution, and sets fewer meetings to help get you to market faster
• Sustainability: Potential for reduced clinical supplies and comparator waste to support your sustainability goals 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are biotech companies outsourcing to CDMOs and CROs now more than ever? 

As regulatory pathways, data expectations, and global clinical trials grow more complex, biotech companies are turning to full-service CDMO and CRO providers to manage risk and optimize timelines. 

What financial and operational benefits can companies expect from using an integrated CRDMO? 

According to the Tufts CSDD study, integrated programs delivered up to 34 months in time savings and up to 113x ROI. In addition, real-world customer projects illustrate the measurable impact of the integrated approach. Over 120 biotech and biopharma companies have partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific across our CDMO and CRO services on 350+ protocols.

What services does a full-service CRDMO provide?

CROs manage clinical development services—including trial design, regulatory planning, data management, analytical and laboratory services and patient recruitment. CDMOs manage drug substance and product development, fill/finish, packaging, supply chain management, and commercial manufacturing. Our full-service model integrates these domains into a single, scalable solution. 

What makes an integrated CRDMO more effective than using multiple vendors? 

There are several things that make an integrated CRDMO more effective than using multiple, disparate vendors, including: 

• Centralized process and accountability
• Reduced communication delays
• A smoother tech transfer
• Consistency in quality, timelines, and data integrity across every phase 

What should biotech companies consider when choosing a CRDMO partner?

When choosing a CRDMO partner, look for collaborators with:

• Therapeutic area experience in your indication
• Global footprint for clinical and commercial scalability
• Proven regulatory track record
• Real-time digital tools for project visibility and risk management

Accelerate your biotech journey with Thermo Fisher Scientific. 

Explore how our integrated CDMO and CRO services can help you move from discovery to patients—efficiently and confidently. Learn more about Accelerator™ Drug Development.

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For more: 

• Tufts CSDD Study: How CDMO and CRO integration drives measurable impact
• Tufts CSDD Press Release: Tufts Center Study Shows Significant Time Savings in Delivering Therapies to Patients with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Accelerator™ Drug Development 360° CDMO and CRO Solutions
• Value reimagined: Unlocking ROI and efficiency in drug development Whitepaper

Citations

1. Tufts Center Study: Integrated Drug Development Services Bring New Therapies to Patients.” Thermo Fisher Scientific Newsroom, https://corporate.thermofisher.com/us/en/index/newsroom/Our-stories/tufts-center-study-integrated-drug-development-services-new-therapies-patients.html. Accessed 12 August 2025. 

2. DiMasi, Joseph, Dirks, Abigail, Getz, Kenneth. “The Net Financial Benefits of Single Vendor Integrated CDMO and CRO Drug Development Services.” (2025) Manuscript submitted for peer review and publication. Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts University.