MRNA Therapeutics Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Analysis
The MRNA Therapeutics Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market size is estimated at USD 11.59 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 20.87 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.49% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Key drivers of market growth include increased research and funding for mRNA therapeutics and the rising adoption of mRNA vaccines. The intensified focus on mRNA-based treatments, spanning vaccines, cancer therapies, and rare diseases, is amplifying the demand for CDMOs specializing in mRNA production and development.
Collaborations among pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, research institutions, and CDMOs have accelerated the development and production of mRNA-based therapies. For instance, in January 2022, Merck finalized a deal to acquire Exelead, a biopharmaceutical CDMO, for approximately USD 780 million in cash. This acquisition aims to bolster Merck’s CDMO offerings for mRNA therapeutics. Similarly, in October 2023, AGC Biologics expanded its facility in Heidelberg, Germany, introducing a new mRNA production line. This advanced line, equipped with cutting-edge single-use technology, offers the flexibility to handle multiple projects concurrently, ensuring quicker timelines and faster turnover. This enhancement positions the CDMO to cater to a broader range of developers in need of mRNA materials. Such strategic moves are anticipated to propel the market during the forecast period.
Moreover, a surge in research activities for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, coupled with a robust pipeline, is set to fuel market growth. As of March 2024, clinicaltrials.gov recorded 424 clinical studies tied to mRNA therapeutics. This increase in studies underscores a burgeoning demand for mRNA production capacities. Additionally, the intricate and costly nature of producing mRNA therapeutics and vaccines necessitates specialized expertise. Consequently, mRNA developers are increasingly turning to CDMOs for outsourcing, further propelling the market growth.
In summary, bolstered by rising collaborations, increased research funding, and a robust pipeline, the mRNA therapeutics CDMO market is poised for growth. However, potential regulatory hurdles and compliance challenges in outsourcing are anticipated to hamper the market growth.
MRNA Therapeutics Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Trends
Infectious Diseases Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share Over the Forecast Period
The rising burden of infectious diseases is one of the key factors for the increasing demand for mRNA-based therapeutics and, thus, for CDMO. For instance, as per the data from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) published in May 2023, there were around 38.4 million people across the world suffering from HIV. The high burden of HIV is expected to fuel the demand for advanced therapeutics, which, in turn, is likely to contribute to the segment’s growth in the coming years.
Moreover, an increasing strategic partnership and investments in mRNA vaccines and therapeutics research are also expected to contribute to the segment growth. For instance, in February 2023, GenScript ProBio, a CDMO, and RVAC Medicines Pte Ltd, a biotechnology company focusing on the development and commercialization of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines, announced an agreement to establish a strategic partnership for the manufacturing of GMP-grade plasmid DNA (pDNA) for its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate, RVM-V001, along with collaboration for future therapeutic pipelines.
Hence, the increasing burden of infectious diseases, increasing funding for mRNA therapeutics, and strategic activities by the market players are expected to boost the segment growth over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period
North America's mRNA CDMO market is set to expand, driven by established research facilities, substantial research and development (R&D) investments in mRNA therapeutics, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Additionally, the strong presence of key market players and their strategic initiatives further support this growth.
With rising investments and collaborations, the demand for CDMO services is expected to increase, propelling market expansion. For instance, in July 2023, Vernal Biosciences, a CDMO, secured USD 20 million in funding, led by Ampersand Capital Partners and Charles River Labs, with contributions from Dynamk Capital and the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies. This funding aims to enhance mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) manufacturing capabilities. Such financial support enables CDMO players to diversify their service portfolios, driving market growth.
Furthermore, strategic initiatives by market players, including service expansions, collaborations, and partnerships, are anticipated to contribute to market growth. For instance, in May 2023, Moderna Inc. entered into a long-term agreement with Ontario-based Novocol Pharma, a sterile injectable CDMO, for aseptic fill-finish, labeling, and packaging of mRNA respiratory vaccines to be produced in Canada. Similarly, in April 2023, Recipharm’s biologics division partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop continuous manufacturing technology for mRNA therapeutics, aligning with the FDA’s initiative for a fully integrated, continuous production line for mRNA vaccines.
Given the increasing adoption of mRNA vaccines, rising research funding, and a strong pipeline of mRNA therapeutics, the mRNA therapeutics CDMO market is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
MRNA Therapeutics Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Industry Overview
The market for mRNA contract development and manufacturing organizations is semi-consolidated. The players are engaged in various strategic activities like expansion of services, collaborations, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. Some of the key players in the mRNA CDMO market are Catalent Inc., Eurofins Scientific, Wuxi Biologics, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Recipharm AB, and other companies.
MRNA Therapeutics Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market Leaders
Catalent, Inc.
Eurofins Scientific
Wuxi Biologics
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Recipharm Ab
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
MRNA Therapeutics Contract Development And Manufacturing Organization Market News
- February 2024: Lonza, a global development and manufacturing partner collaborated with Oxford Nanopore Technologies. The partnership aims to cGMP validate and commercialize a first-of-its-kind novel test to accurately determine multiple critical quality attributes of mRNA products by directly sequencing both the DNA template and the messenger RNA (mRNA).
- September 2023: PackGene Biotech and Kudo Biotechnology partnered to provide high-quality, customized messenger RNA (mRNA) manufacturing services for drug and vaccine development.









