Finalist Information & FAQ
Congratulations on being named a finalist in the 2026 CDMO Leadership Awards. Your inclusion reflects independent sponsor recognition of your organization’s performance and partnership strength. This document outlines key information regarding methodology, recognition, and event logistics.
About the Awards Methodology
The CDMO Leadership Awards are determined through direct feedback from biopharma sponsors collected via an independent global survey conducted by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (CSDD).
Companies do not nominate themselves or submit applications. Rankings are based exclusively on sponsor-reported outsourcing experience across development and manufacturing services.
To ensure the integrity of the results, a minimum number of independent sponsor ratings is required for eligibility within each category.
Category Structure
CDMOs are evaluated within two size groupings to ensure peer-level comparison.
Organizations are categorized as Large or Small/Mid-Sized based on CDMO revenue, with $1B serving as the threshold between the two groups.
Awards are further segmented by modality: Biologics, Cell & Gene Therapy, Small Molecule API, Small Molecule Finished Dose, and Fill Finish.
Because sponsors rate companies based on services they have directly utilized, a CDMO may appear in one modality category but not another depending on reported experience.
Ceremony Registration
Registration is managed via Eventbrite:
https://cmola26.eventbrite.com
Each finalist organization may register up to five attendees.
We request that one designated representative coordinate registration on behalf of your company.
The ceremony is designed as a senior leadership event. Registrations are reviewed in advance and walk-ins are not permitted.
Finalist Information Submission Form
To ensure accurate recognition and post-event award delivery, each finalist organization must complete the Finalist Information Submission Form by March 18.
Submission link: https://lifescienceconnect.wufoo.com/forms/finalist-information-submission-form/
The form should be completed by your designated company point of contact and includes confirmation of company details, stage representation, and award shipping information.
Timely submission ensures proper recognition and fulfillment.
CDMO of the Year Recognition
CDMO of the Year honors overall sponsor-rated performance within your modality and size category.
Winners will be recognized on stage during the ceremony. To enhance the attendee experience, physical awards will be shipped directly to your organization following the event, eliminating the need to transport awards during the evening.
Best in Class Recognition
Best in Class honors excellence across specific sponsor-rated partnership attributes, including:
- Analytical Services
- Overall Staff
- Project Management
- Cultural Fit
- Technology Use
- Scaling Support
Finalists are eligible to be selected in one or more of these attributes within their modality and size category.
If an organization earns recognition across multiple attributes within the same grouping, those distinctions will be consolidated and reflected within the official Best in Class award.
All awards will be shipped directly to your organization following the ceremony.
2026 CDMO Leadership Award Sponsors
