The global large molecule drug discovery outsourcing market size was estimated at USD 2.89 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.83 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.02% from 2025 to 2030. The market is driven by increased demand for biologics and next-generation therapies.
Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly shifting their focus from small molecules to larger biomolecules, including peptides, recombinant proteins, and gene-modifying agents, due to rising demand for biologics. As a result, drug sponsors are actively seeking the services of contract research organizations (CROs) that specialize in drug discovery tailored to these biologics. This trend has led to a rise in outsourcing strategies that emphasize early-phase scientific collaboration and expertise in areas such as bioassay development, structural biology, and functional screening.
Furthermore, emerging trends highlight strategic partnerships between biopharma companies and CROs that focus on innovative platform-based models, which serve to mitigate R&D risks while enhancing the progression of assets. In addition, the demand for outsourcing services is more influenced by the depth of scientific expertise, cost effectiveness, and specialization in therapeutic areas. This has led increasing demand for collaboration with partners who have a strong focus on neurodegenerative diseases, rare disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
Moreover, the global expansion of the market is transforming the landscape, as companies seek biologics innovation hubs in regions like North America and Asia Pacific. In addition, CROs are integrating AI-driven tools, biomarker discovery platforms, and automated screening processes to enhance the accuracy of candidate selection. This combination of scientific advancement, geographical growth, and digital innovation is establishing large molecule discovery outsourcing as a fundamental aspect of modern biologics R&D strategies. Such factors are expected to drive market growth over the estimated time period.
The large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry offers significant growth opportunities fueled by increasing demand for biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), RNA therapies, and cell and gene therapies. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are progressively turning to specialized contract research organizations (CROs) to handle early-stage discovery processes, such as target identification, hit-to-lead development, and lead optimization. This service not only accelerates timelines but also supports reducing costs and gaining access to specialized scientific expertise.
Moreover, current regions such as North America and Europe have increased demand for large molecule drug discovery outsourcing services driven by the presence of well-established biotech environments. However, Asia Pacific has witnessed untapped potential in regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. These areas offer lower operational costs, skilled scientific professionals, and improved regulatory frameworks, making them attractive for global collaborations. Furthermore, the trend towards precision medicine and the development of complex biologics is increasing the need for innovative discovery technologies, which opens doors for CROs that specialize in advanced techniques such as high-throughput screening, protein engineering, AI modeling, and immuno-oncology.
In addition, rising R&D investments and public-private partnerships & government incentives in emerging markets fuel outsourcing opportunities. Moreover, smaller and mid-sized biotech companies play a crucial role in driving biological innovation, as most of the companies are increasingly depending on outsourcing due to limited internal discovery resources. Together, these elements position the large molecule drug discovery outsourcing sector as a rapidly growing, innovative-focused market with a broadening global presence and strategic importance.
U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical imports are having a substantial effect on the global outsourcing sector for large molecule drug discovery. The introduction of tariffs, ranging from 10% to 25% on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), biologics, and related materials, has disrupted supply chains and increased production costs. As a result, U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies are facing higher expenses, particularly small and emerging biotech firms that heavily rely on outsourcing for early-stage research and development. These tariffs have prompted a reevaluation of global supply chain strategies. Besides, companies are looking into alternative sourcing options and benefits of reshoring or nearshoring production to alleviate tariff-related expenses.
However, transitioning complex biologics manufacturing processes is challenging and cannot be accomplished quickly, given the specialized infrastructure and necessary expertise. Moreover, the elevated costs linked to tariffs could drive up drug prices for consumers and possibly lead to shortages, particularly for biologics that are already costly and intricate to manufacture. The uncertainty surrounding trade policies adds another layer of complexity, which may deter investments in innovative therapies and slow down drug development. In conclusion, U.S. tariffs are altering the dynamics of large molecule drug discovery outsourcing, forcing companies to adjust their strategies in response to rising costs and supply chain uncertainties. Such factors are expected to drive the market growth over the estimated time period.
Technological advancements are rapidly enhancing the efficiency and precision of global large molecule drug discovery outsourcing. AI-driven antibody discovery is streamlining candidate identification, leveraging machine learning for epitope mapping, de novo design, and lead optimization, thereby accelerating timelines and reducing failure rates. High-throughput protein engineering platforms enable rapid screening and optimization of large molecule formats such as monoclonal antibodies and bispecifics, increasing success rates in target engagement and manufacturability.
CRISPR-based functional genomics allows precise target validation by enabling gene editing in disease-relevant models, improving confidence in target selection. Single-cell and spatial omics technologies provide deep insights into cellular heterogeneity and tissue-specific expression, refining therapeutic targeting, especially in oncology and immunology. Complementing these advances, cloud-based bioinformatics platforms offer real-time data analysis and collaboration across CRO-sponsor ecosystems, ensuring agility, transparency, and integration throughout the discovery workflow. Together, these technologies are reshaping large molecule discovery, enabling faster, data-driven innovation and more successful biologics pipelines globally.
In large molecule drug discovery outsourcing, pricing models are evolving to better reflect the details, risks, and timelines associated with biologics research and development. The milestone-based pricing model has gained widespread traction, especially in the early stages of discovery. In this approach, payments are linked to the achievement of specific research milestones, such as validating targets, identifying hits, or optimizing leads. This alignment of incentives helps sponsors mitigate financial risk. It is estimated that more than 60% of global discovery-stage contracts incorporate milestone components. In addition, the value-based pricing is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in collaborations involving innovative modalities such as bispecific antibodies or gene therapies. Besides, in this pricing model, the contract research organizations (CROs) share both risks and rewards based on the clinical or commercial success of the projects. Although this model is currently seen in less than 15% of partnerships, its adoption is on the rise as trust and intellectual property-sharing frameworks continue to evolve.
Moreover, the fixed-fee model remains prevalent, especially for well-defined services such as in vitro screening or assay development, offering cost predictability for both contracting parties. Besides, approximately 25-30% of contracts in the Asia-Pacific and European regions utilize this model. Whereas, the subscription or retainer model is steadily gaining popularity in partnerships with biotech companies, whereby clients pay a recurring fee for ongoing access to discovery platforms and expertise. Though it represents less than 10% of global deals, this model is appreciated for its strategic flexibility, particularly in engagements focused on specific target classes or therapeutic areas.
The market growth stage is moderate at an accelerating pace. The market is characterized by the degree of innovation, level of M&A activities, regulatory impact, service expansion, and regional expansion. The outsourcing of large molecule drug discovery is experiencing a rapid evolution, particularly in fields such as monoclonal antibodies, bispecific, RNA therapeutics, and AI-driven target identification. Besides, the CROs are incorporating CRISPR gene editing, high-throughput screenings for biologics, and integrated omics strategies. This innovation is further enhanced by strategic partnerships between biotech startups and academic institutions. As the demand for personalized biologics and immunotherapies increases, CROs are investing in platforms and innovative delivery technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the early stages of drug discovery.
Regulatory bodies across the U.S., EU, and Asia-Pacific are boosting the speed and methodology for outsourcing in large molecule drug discovery. While more stringent regulations concerning data integrity, biosafety, and intellectual property protection have led to higher compliance costs, they have also elevated quality standards. Accelerated approval pathways for biologics, such as the FDA's Breakthrough Therapy designation and the EMA's PRIME initiative, encourage early-stage discovery collaborations. In emerging markets, efforts to harmonize regulations are enhancing the attractiveness of outsourcing by shortening approval timelines and standardizing protocols for biologics development.
Mergers and acquisitions in large molecule drug discovery outsourcing are increasing as CROs are seeking to boost their biologics discovery capabilities by acquiring specialized biotech companies and AI platform providers. In addition, a growing number of acquisitions have targeted technology-focused firms that excel in areas such as antibody libraries, ADC platforms, and computational drug discovery is expected to drive market growth. This trend further increases the demand for comprehensive, integrated services in biologics discovery.
CROs are broadening their service offerings to encompass target identification, immunogenicity assessment, lead optimization, and bioinformatics solutions for large molecules. Besides, the incorporation of AI-driven predictive tools, humanized animal models, and automated platforms is further enhancing efficiency in the early stages of development. This expansion supports biotech clients seeking rapid, cost-effective solutions for complex biologics discovery across multiple modalities.
Global CROs are broadening their large molecule discovery operations across various regions, driven by lower operational costs, growing scientific talent, and supportive policy environments. In addition, countries such as China and India are experiencing growth in target discovery and protein engineering, which further contributes to the market. Likewise, Brazil, Poland, and South Korea are emerging as key outsourcing centers for biologics, fueled by national biotech strategies and increased foreign investment. Such factors are expected to drive the market growth over the estimated time period.
Based on workflow, the market is segmented into target identification & screening, target validation & functional informatics, lead identification & candidate optimization, preclinical development, and others. In 2024, the lead identification & candidate optimization segment dominated the market, accounting for a revenue share of 32.19%. The growth of this sector is largely driven by the increasing complexity of biologics, rising R&D efforts for antibodies and protein therapeutics, and a growing emphasis on innovating cost-effective and standard quality biologics. In addition, access to proprietary screening technologies and the incorporation of artificial intelligence for candidate modeling play significant roles, along with regulatory demand for early safety profiling. Besides, many pharmaceutical companies are prioritizing external expertise in lead identification and candidate optimization to improve binding affinity, specificity, and manufacturability.
Moreover, advancements in AI-powered screening, structural modeling, and high-throughput bioassays are enhancing candidate selection processes. Furthermore, emerging trends such as next-generation sequencing, immunogenicity profiling, and the integration of multi-omics data are transforming the optimization strategies. Furthermore, the increasing demand for personalized and targeted therapies is fueling the need for precision in the early refinement of candidates, which further contributes to market growth.
The pre-clinical development segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The segment growth is driven by the specialized infrastructure available, increasing investments in R&D, and the regulatory complexities, along with the biological variability associated with biologics. Besides, some other factors propelling market growth include technological advancements, improved access to healthcare, and the growing burden of diseases. In addition, many pharmaceutical companies are shifting towards outsourcing partners for in vivo pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and immunogenicity evaluations due to limited in-house expertise in biologics and the growing need to expedite Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling studies. Furthermore, the rising adoption of AI-driven safety prediction models and the increased utilization of humanized animal models are supporting market growth. Thus, outsourcing preclinical services not only facilitates quicker and more cost-effective decision-making but also ensures that biological products meet safety, efficacy, and regulatory standards prior to entering clinical trials, which contributes to market growth.
Based on service, the market is segmented into chemistry services and biology services. In 2024, the biology services segment dominated the market, accounting for the largest revenue share attributed to expanding the pipeline of biologics and an increasing need for a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms. Besides, large molecule therapies like monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and gene therapies ideally require advanced bioassays for evaluating target engagement, cell signaling, immune modulation, and pharmacodynamics, which has increased the demand for biology services. In addition, growing interest in precision medicine and immuno-oncology has fueled the need for specialized biology platforms, such as cell-based assays, biomarker discovery, and functional genomics. Moreover, outsourcing biology services provides scalability and access to advanced technologies while speeding up candidate selection in a highly competitive pipeline landscape. Such factors are expected to drive the market growth in the upcoming years.
The chemistry services segment is expected to grow at a lucrative CAGR during the forecast period. The segment growth is driven by increasing complexity of biologics and the rising demand for precise molecular engineering and modifications. These services play a crucial role in conjugating chemistry for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), PEGylation, linker design, and bioconjugation strategies that improve drug stability, efficacy, and delivery. As multi-specific antibodies and protein fusion constructs gain traction, custom chemistry solutions are increasingly becoming essential services for optimizing pharmacokinetics and minimizing immunogenicity. Moreover, outsourcing chemistry services provides access to specialized analytical techniques, GMP-grade reagents, and scalable synthesis platforms, which further support to boost the drug development process. This growing reliance reflects the need for tailored, innovative chemistry approaches that cater to the structural diversity and functional specificity of biologics in contemporary drug development pipelines, further supporting the market growth.
Based on therapeutics area, the respiratory system segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024. The respiratory system is emerging as a key focus in large molecule drug development due to increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory complications from infections such as COVID-19. Large molecules, especially monoclonal antibodies and inhaled biologics, offer targeted, long-lasting therapeutic effects with fewer systemic side effects. Advances in pulmonary delivery technologies, such as nebulized and dry powder formulations, enable efficient administration of biologics directly to lung tissues. Additionally, the role of immune modulation in respiratory diseases is driving demand for biologics that can precisely target inflammatory pathways, making this area ripe for biologic innovation and outsourcing.
The oncology segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Oncology is a major driver of large molecule drug development due to the increasing demand for targeted, personalized cancer therapies. Large molecules such as monoclonal antibodies, ADCs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors offer high specificity in targeting tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The rise of immuno-oncology, CAR-T therapies, and bispecific antibodies further fuels innovation in biologics. Advances in tumor biology, biomarker discovery, and companion diagnostics support the development of biologics tailored to individual cancer profiles. As cancer remains a leading global cause of death, biopharma companies prioritize oncology biologics to meet unmet clinical needs and market growth.
Based on end-use, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly driving large molecule drug development due to the growing demand for precision medicine and biologics that offer high specificity and lower toxicity. Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and cell and gene therapies, are gaining prominence in treating complex and chronic diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare genetic conditions. Biotech firms bring innovation and niche scientific expertise, while pharmaceutical companies provide scale, regulatory experience, and global reach. This accelerates biologic pipelines through partnerships, acquisitions, and outsourcing. In addition, favorable regulatory pathways and strong investor interest in biologics reinforce large molecule R&D as a key strategic priority.
The academic institutes segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Academic institutes are emerging as vital contributors to large molecule drug development due to their deep scientific expertise, access to cutting-edge research tools, and focus on early-stage innovation. These institutions often pioneer discoveries in immunology, genomics, and protein engineering-foundational areas for biologics. Collaborative models with industry and government funding enable translational research that bridges the gap between lab discoveries and clinical applications. In addition, academic centers serve as incubators for novel biologic platforms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Their growing role reflects the shift toward open innovation ecosystems, where academia accelerates biologic discovery and derisks early development for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
The North America large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry dominated globally with a market share of 41.16%. This growth can be attributed to a strong pipeline of biologics, technological advancements, and an increasing demand for personalized and targeted therapies. Besides, the emergence of biotech innovation hubs in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico contribute to market growth. In addition, the biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies are focusing on innovating complex biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, ADCs, and mRNA-based drugs, which require specialized discovery expertise, creating demand for drug discovery services.
Moreover, the trends of outsourcing early-stage discovery processes such as target validation, hit-to-lead evaluations, and lead optimization to specialized CROs with advanced capabilities further support the market expansion. This outsourcing approach supports pharmaceutical companies in accessing state-of-the-art tools, including AI-driven target identification, high-throughput screening, and proprietary biologics libraries, without requiring upfront investment. Furthermore, the market benefits from growing strategic partnerships, the utilization of AI-driven discovery tools, and integrated capabilities from contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and CROs. In addition, investments in R&D, stringent regulatory environments, and biologics drug innovation further contribute to market growth.
The large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry in the U.S. accounted for the largest share of the North America market, driven by rising demand for biologics targeting a range of diseases and a growing shift towards modular, platform-based discovery approaches. Besides, biopharmaceutical & pharmaceutical are increasingly investing in R&D supported by VC funding access to top-tier CROs with biologics expertise. Moreover, unlike traditional models, outsourcing majorly supports pharmaceutical companies in enhancing scalability, proprietary biologics libraries, and advancements in immune-oncology, which fuels market growth. In addition, an increasing focus on complex modalities, such as bispecific & fusion proteins and mRNA therapeutics requiring advanced platforms, is expected to support the market expansion further. Besides, the expanding pipeline of new drugs and rising investments from CROs in automation, cloud-based data systems, and single-cell analytics are anticipated to enhance precision in discovery processes. In addition, strategic mergers and acquisitions strengthen capabilities throughout the discovery-to-IND pathway. Furthermore, companies are outsourcing to drug discovery providers to reduce cost, mitigate risk, and speed timelines, making the U.S. one of the major countries in biologics-driven outsourced drug discovery innovation.
The Canada large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry is driven by increased research and development activities, a rising number of biotechnology companies, and advancements in early-stage biologics discovery. Besides, increased focus on areas such as antibody engineering, protein expression, and innovating RNA-based therapies drives the country’s growth. In addition, a strong academic environment, particularly in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, supports progress in therapeutic antibody development and immune-oncology research. Moreover, Canadian large molecule drug discovery outsourcing companies offer affordable, high-quality outsourcing services that appeal to U.S. and European clients, further contributing to market growth. The rising interest in mRNA and cell-based therapies has further enhanced collaboration among Canadian discovery service providers and global pharmaceutical companies seeking solutions for early-stage extensive molecule development. Such factors are expected to drive the market growth over the estimated period.
Europe's large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry is driven by increasing demand for biologic medicines and rising investments from biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies. Technological advancements and strong infrastructure development are contributing to the increased need for these outsourcing services. In addition, robust collaborations between academic institutions and industry, government-sponsored innovation programs, and an increased emphasis on biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, ADCs, and recombinant proteins, are key factors propelling the market expansion.
Moreover, biopharmaceutical companies are progressively seeking the expertise of specialized CROs for early-stage research and development, encompassing target identification, lead discovery, and antibody engineering. Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France prioritize innovation in immuno-oncology, rare diseases, and biosimilars, further enhancing market growth. Moreover, the increasing patient population, cost-effectiveness, and strong capabilities in translational research collectively position Europe as a prominent region in the global landscape of extensive molecule drug discovery outsourcing.
The large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry in Germany held the largest share in 2024 in the European region. This growth can be attributed to a robust pharmaceutical industry, advanced research facilities, and a strong focus on innovation in biologics. The increasing number of CROs and biotech companies providing specialized services in antibody discovery, protein engineering, and innovative therapeutic platforms like bispecific and RNA-based drugs supports the market growth. In addition, government funding, collaborations between academia and industry, and a skilled workforce enhance the capacity for high-value R&D outsourcing. The country's emphasis on oncology, immunology, and rare diseases attracts biopharmaceutical clients looking for precision-driven solutions in early-stage biologics research, further fueling the market. Moreover, the country’s robust regulatory environment and integration with EU-wide initiatives make Germany a strategic hub for large molecule discovery partnerships and outsourcing.
The UK large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The country's growth is driven by advancements in biologics innovation and translational medicine. Besides, over 65% of the UK biotech pipeline is concentrated on biologics and advanced therapies, increasing the demand for early-stage outsourcing. Moreover, incorporating technologies enhances manufacturing precision, efficiency, and stringent regulatory requirements, further supporting market growth. In addition, the need for specialized expertise from CROs and research institutes in areas such as antibody humanization, protein design, and cell-based assay development fuels the market. In addition, the rising incidence of chronic diseases and the increasing focus on personalized medicine are expected to boost the demand for biologics in the market.
Asia Pacific large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The region’s growth is driven by increased research and development in biologics, favorable government initiatives, and rising investments in biotechnology alongside expanding healthcare expenditure. Besides, countries such as China and India lead the region, with China conducting more than 30% of global early-phase biologics trials, while India is expected to witness the fastest CAGR in extensive molecule drug discovery outsourcing through 2030. In addition, local CROs are increasingly focusing on providing competitive pricing and extensive expertise in antibody engineering, biosimilars, and innovative modalities like mRNA and fusion proteins. Besides, South Korea is also investing in research hubs, positioning the region as an attractive destination for cost-effective and scalable partnerships in large molecule discovery. Furthermore, increased collaborative agreements and strategic alliances is expected to drive the market growth over the estimated time period.
The large-molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry in China is driven by strong government policy support, domestic biopharma expansion, and rising demand for innovative biologics. Besides, ongoing healthcare innovations and the country’s focus on cost advantages, a skilled workforce, and expanding capability in biologics pipelines are anticipated to create new growth opportunities for the market.
Besides, strong government policy support, domestic biopharma expansion, and rising demand for innovative biologics fuel the market growth. Over 1,000 biologics are currently under development in China, with monoclonal antibodies, bispecific, and ADCs leading the pipeline. CROs such as WuXi AppTec and Pharmaron offer end-to-end discovery capabilities, from target identification to lead optimization. The 14th Five-Year Plan prioritizes biopharmaceutical innovation, creating funding and regulatory incentives. China’s rich scientific talent pool and growing competitive cost structure make the country a preferred outsourcing hub for global and local companies seeking advanced large-molecule discovery solutions.
The large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry in Japan is driven by advancements in drug development, growing innovations in the biopharmaceutical industry, technological innovations, increased demand for outsourcing solutions, and rising healthcare expenditures. In addition, a growing pipeline of biologics and specialized fields will likely boost market growth in the upcoming years. Moreover, there are growing competitive scenarios among pharmaceutical companies to outsource their biologics production, thereby improving process control, reducing manufacturing time, and enhancing quality assurance compared to traditional batch manufacturing methods to innovate new products. In addition, increased emphasis on mid-molecular drugs, such as nucleic acids and peptides, reflects evolving industry trends as major pharmaceutical companies are exploring expansion into international markets to leverage Japan’s strong pharmaceutical capabilities. These factors will drive Japan’s large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry.
India large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry isdriven by growing opportunities for biologics, an extensive pipeline of large molecules, and ongoing technological advancements. In addition, the country has emerged as a favored destination for innovations in large molecules as the government has proven to treat various disease conditions, further supporting reducing the side effects of increased patient compliance. Moreover, growing competition among market players and a strong emphasis on establishing infrastructure, funding, and global collaboration further drive India's large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry. This evolving landscape is further shaped by companies restructuring to improve efficiency and refine their research focus to seek new partnerships for innovating large molecule drugs. Such factors are expected to drive the market over the estimated period.
The large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry in Latin America is driven by the increasing demand for biologic drugs and the rising affordability of services provided by outsourcing companies. Besides, the growing active involvement of emerging local players in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry contributes to market expansion. Moreover, technological advancements and rapid progress in biomedicine, genomics, and therapeutics have changed the country’s scenarios for developing biological drugs that are high-affinity and highly effective. These factors are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.
Brazil large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry is driven by robust advancements in biologics, an expanding pharmaceutical industry, and a favorable regulatory landscape. In addition, the growing burden of diseases has increased the demand for outsourcing services to innovate a range of new biologics drugs. Furthermore, the rising competition for drug development and approval processes is expected to drive demand for these services, as outsourcing provides flexibility, specialized knowledge, attention to evolving regulations, and a strong commitment to quality innovations. This factor makes Brazil's market a unique opportunity for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs.
The large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry in the MEA region is expected to experience steady growth in the upcoming years. Countries such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait increasingly focus on innovating new biologics, expanding the biopharmaceutical industry, and supporting the regulatory environment. Besides, the region has a skilled workforce, cost advantages, and increased investments from global pharmaceutical companies, positioning the area as an emerging hub for extensive molecule drug discovery outsourcing. These factors are anticipated to boost demand for the large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry over the estimated period.
South Africa large molecule drug discovery outsourcing industry is driven by increasing demand for biologics, the attractiveness of the pharmaceutical industry, and the presence of a diverse population in the country. In addition, shifting market dynamics and improved accessibility of biologics products in underserved regions are expected to further contribute to market growth.
The key players operating across the market are adopting strategic initiatives such as service launches, mergers & acquisitions, partnerships & agreements, and expansions to gain a competitive edge in the market. For instance, in March 2024, Selvita S.A. announced strategic plan to expand its service offerings by venturing into biologic drug discovery and development. As part of this initiative, the company will enhance its portfolio with advanced capabilities for discovering & developing therapeutic antibodies. In addition, Selvita plans to hire a team of skilled experts in therapeutic antibody research and will utilize fully equipped, innovative laboratories.
The following are the leading companies in the large molecule drug discovery outsourcing market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.
In October 2024, Accenture announced partnership with 1910 Genetics to assist biopharma companies in revolutionizing drug discovery through artificial intelligence. This collaboration aims to integrate customized solutions with scalable infrastructure, enabling clients in the biopharmaceutical sector to speed up the identification of drug targets, lower expenses, and provide improved, more accessible therapies for patients.
In May 2023, Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services, and a subsidiary of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories mentioned the plans to build a facility dedicated to the development and manufacturing of therapeutic proteins, antibodies, & viral vectors.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 3.14 billion |
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 4.83 billion |
Growth Rate |
CAGR of 9.02% from 2025 to 2030 |
Historical Year |
2018 - 2024 |
Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments covered |
Workflow, service, therapeutics area, end-use, region |
Regional scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA |
Country scope |
U.S.; Canada; Mexico; UK; Germany; France; Italy; Spain; Denmark; Sweden; Norway; Japan; China; India; Thailand; South Korea; Australia, Brazil; Argentina; South Africa; Saudi Arabia; UAE; Kuwait |
Key companies profiled |
Evotec SE; Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.; WuXi AppTec; Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Covance); Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC (PPD, part of Thermo Fisher); Merck & Co., Inc. Ltd.; Syngene International Limited; Dalton Pharma Services; Domainex Ltd.; Eurofins Scientific SE; QIAGEN N.V.; TCG Lifesciences Pvt Ltd. |
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global large molecule drug discovery outsourcing market report based on workflow, service, therapeutics area, end-use, and region:
Workflow Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Target Identification & Screening
Target Validation & Functional Informatics
Lead Identification & Candidate Optimization
Preclinical Development
Others
Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Chemistry Services
Biology Services
Therapeutics Area Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Respiratory system
Pain and Anesthesia
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Hematology
Cardiovascular
Endocrine
Gastrointestinal
Immunomodulation
Anti-infective
Central Nervous System
Dermatology
Genitourinary System
End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology companies
Academic Institutes
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Sweden
Denmark
Norway
Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Thailand
South Korea
Australia
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Middle East & Africa
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
Argentina
UAE
Kuwait
b. The global large molecule drug discovery outsourcing market size was estimated at USD 2.89 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.14 billion in 2025.
b. The global large molecule drug discovery outsourcing market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.02% from 2025 to 2030 to reach USD 4.83 billion by 2030.
b. North America dominated the large molecule drug discovery outsourcing market, with a share of 41.16% in 2024. This is attributable to a strong pipeline of biologics, technological advancements, and an increasing demand for personalized and targeted therapies. In addition, advanced R&D infrastructure, a high concentration of biopharma companies, and early adoption of innovative biologic platforms support the market's growth.
b. Some key players operating in the large molecule drug discovery outsourcing market include Evotec SE, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., WuXi AppTec, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Covance), Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC (PPD, part of Thermo Fisher), Merck & Co., Inc., GenScript Biotech Corporation, Jubilant Biosys Limited, Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., Syngene International Limited, Dalton Pharma Services, Domainex Ltd., Eurofins Scientific SE, QIAGEN N.V., and TCG Lifesciences Pvt Ltd.
b. Key factors driving market growth include biologics' rising complexity, a growing focus on accelerating timelines and reducing R&D costs, and therapeutics' expanding pipelines. Lower operational costs, skilled scientific professionals, and improved regulatory frameworks further contribute to market growth.
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