The pharmaceutical contract manufacturing industry in the US involves companies that produce bulk drugs, steriles, and formulations for other pharmaceutical firms. These manufacturers offer services from drug development to commercial production, facilitating timely market access for various therapies. As the demand for personalized medicine and biologics grows, many are adopting cutting-edge technologies to scale production processes. The industry is becoming increasingly collaborative, with biopharmaceutical companies seeking strategic partners to enhance efficiency and innovate. Notably, the rush to increase domestic production capabilities due to public health challenges has intensified investments in this sector in recent years.


In 2024, a number of prominent investors participated in the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing sector, including corporate giants and venture capital firms. These firms, with headquarters spread across key US locations like New York and California, vary in size but collectively employed strategic investment practices. Founded between 1946 and 2016, their investments during that year reflect diverse engagement levels, from Pfizer's extensive deals to start-ups pertained by venture firms. Overall, the mix of investor types and backgrounds greatly contributes to the evolving dynamics of this specialized healthcare market.


Top 17 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. OrbiMed

  • Website: orbimed.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: orbimed-advisors

OrbiMed is an investment firm based in New York, specializing in healthcare investments since its founding in 1989. With approximately $17 billion in assets under management, OrbiMed focuses on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. They have been involved in various significant transactions, including investments in Uquifa and Vivimed Labs, both of which are engaged in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Uquifa raised funds in a venture round, while Vivimed Labs secured substantial post-IPO equity funding, highlighting OrbiMed's active role in supporting companies within the pharmaceutical sector.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Y Combinator operates a structured program that offers resources such as the Startup School and co-founder matching services. In 2023, Y Combinator participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Sensible Biotechnologies, which raised $4.2 million for its innovative cell-based platform aimed at cost-efficient manufacturing of high-quality mRNA. This investment highlights Y Combinator's engagement in the life sciences sector, particularly in areas related to pharmaceutical manufacturing. Additionally, their involvement in other startups, such as Persist AI, showcases their broad investment strategy, which includes technology and life sciences, further emphasizing their relevance in the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing context.


3. Perceptive Advisors


Perceptive Advisors is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm provides capital solutions and investment management services to both private and public healthcare companies, with a strong focus on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Their expertise aids clients in securing funding for innovation and growth within the healthcare industry. Notable transactions include significant investments in Forge Biologics, which raised $120 million in Series B and $40 million in Series A funding, indicating a strong interest in companies involved in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Additionally, their participation in ReViral's £33 million Series C financing highlights their commitment to supporting clinical development in the pharmaceutical sector. These activities demonstrate Perceptive Advisors' relevance in the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing landscape.


4. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. With a focus on investment management and advisory services, NEA specializes in supporting startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm emphasizes long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, providing both funding and strategic guidance. NEA has been involved in significant transactions within the pharmaceutical industry, including investments in Novast Pharmaceuticals, which raised substantial funding in Series B and C rounds, and Resilience, a biopharmaceutical company aiming to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing through innovative technologies. These investments highlight NEA's commitment to advancing the pharmaceutical sector and its manufacturing capabilities.


5. Pfizer

  • Website: pfizer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1849
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: pfizer

Pfizer Inc. is a leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology company founded in 1849, headquartered in New York, New York, USA. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Pfizer develops and produces a diverse range of medicines and vaccines aimed at improving patient health outcomes globally. In recent years, Pfizer has been actively involved in significant transactions that reflect its strategic focus on enhancing its pharmaceutical capabilities. Notably, Pfizer participated in a funding round for Resilience, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing through innovative technologies. This investment highlights Pfizer's interest in advancing manufacturing processes in the industry. Additionally, Pfizer has made substantial acquisitions, including Seagen for $31 billion, Medivation for approximately $14 billion, and Arena Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion, all of which strengthen its position in the oncology and broader pharmaceutical markets. These activities underscore Pfizer's commitment to expanding its influence in the pharmaceutical sector, including aspects related to contract manufacturing.


6. ARCH Venture Partners

  • Website: archventure.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: arch-venture-partners

ARCH Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1986, based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in biotechnology investments. The firm provides funding and strategic support to innovative companies in the life sciences sector, particularly early-stage biotech firms aiming to develop groundbreaking medical solutions. Notably, ARCH has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Resilience, which raised over $800 million to enhance pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies in response to COVID-19. This investment highlights their commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, ARCH has invested in Just - Evotec Biologics, which focuses on biologics manufacturing, further demonstrating their engagement in the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing space. With a total of 32 investments in 2024 alone, ARCH Venture Partners continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the growth of companies that are crucial to the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.


7. Frazier Healthcare Partners


Frazier Healthcare Partners is a venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in healthcare and life sciences investments. Founded in 1991, the firm focuses on growth buyout investments in profitable healthcare businesses and innovative biopharmaceuticals. They have a strong track record of supporting healthcare companies seeking capital to scale operations and enhance service offerings. Notably, Frazier Healthcare has been involved in key transactions within the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Adare Pharmaceuticals, which operates a specialty contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). This acquisition allows them to leverage Adare's capabilities in pharmaceutical technology and manufacturing. Additionally, they acquired Catalent Pharma Solutions' U.S. commercial pharmaceutical packaging operations, further solidifying their presence in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. These strategic investments highlight Frazier Healthcare's commitment to the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing industry.


8. Vivo Capital

  • Website: vivocapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: vivo-capital

Vivo Capital is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in healthcare investments, providing venture capital, private equity, and public equity to companies that develop healthcare technologies and products. Notably, Vivo Capital acquired Serán Bioscience, a contract development and manufacturing organization, in January 2021, highlighting their commitment to the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing space. They have also participated in various funding rounds for companies like Sagent Pharmaceuticals, which focuses on product launches and development activities, further demonstrating their engagement in the pharmaceutical sector. With 19 investments in 2024 alone, Vivo Capital continues to facilitate innovation and growth in healthcare, including contract manufacturing.


9. Janus Henderson Investors

  • Website: janushenderson.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 39
  • LinkedIn: janus-henderson-emea

Janus Henderson Investors is a private equity firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. It operates globally from its headquarters in London and provides a range of investment products including ETFs, mutual funds, and managed accounts. The firm serves individual investors, financial professionals, and institutional clients, helping them achieve superior financial outcomes through disciplined investment strategies and insights. In the pharmaceutical sector, Janus Henderson has participated in several significant transactions, including investments in companies like Elektrofi, which is focused on drug formulation and delivery, and aims to establish Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) capabilities. Their involvement in funding rounds for companies such as VelosBio and Dice Therapeutics also highlights their engagement in the biotechnology space, which is closely related to pharmaceutical manufacturing.


10. Invus

  • Website: invus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 35
  • LinkedIn: invus

Invus is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in equity investments and investment management, partnering with owner-managers across various industries to enhance business performance and create sustainable value. Invus has been active in the pharmaceutical sector, as evidenced by its involvement in several relevant transactions. For instance, they participated in multiple funding rounds for ElevateBio, a company focused on cell and gene therapies, which includes bolstering technology and manufacturing capacity. Their investment in Renovis, which raised funds for product development, also highlights their engagement in the pharmaceutical landscape. Overall, Invus leverages its expertise to navigate complex investment landscapes, including those in the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing space.


11. Casdin Capital, LLC

  • Website: casdincapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: casdin-capital-llc

Casdin Capital, LLC is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm focuses on investing in healthcare, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and technology, providing funding and strategic partnerships to innovative companies. Casdin Capital has been involved in several significant transactions, including a $15 million investment in Vector BioMed, a company dedicated to biomanufacturing high-quality lentiviral vectors for pre-clinical development and clinical trials. This investment highlights their commitment to supporting companies that play a crucial role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Additionally, they have invested in other life sciences firms such as Multiply Labs, Codexis, Jounce Therapeutics, and Decibel Therapeutics, further demonstrating their active engagement in advancing healthcare and biotechnology innovations.


12. Polaris Partners

  • Website: polarispartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: polaris-partners

Polaris Partners is a venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in healthcare and biotechnology investments, partnering with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance to help them innovate and grow their businesses. Polaris has a diverse portfolio that includes companies focused on transformative healthcare solutions. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for August Bioservices, a Nashville-based Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization, contributing to both a $23.6 million Series A round in May 2021 and a $65 million Series B round in December 2022. This involvement highlights their active role in the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing space, supporting early-stage companies in bringing their products to market.


13. GV (Google Ventures)

  • Website: gv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: gv

GV (Google Ventures) is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. With over $10 billion in assets under management, GV focuses on various sectors, including life sciences and artificial intelligence. The firm partners with innovative technology startups, providing funding and support to help them navigate the challenges of building successful companies. Notably, GV has invested in Resilience, a biopharmaceutical company that aims to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing through new technologies, raising over $800 million in financing. Additionally, GV has been involved with Rani Therapeutics, which has raised multiple funding rounds to develop its RaniPill for human clinical trials, emphasizing the creation of manufacturing infrastructure for clinical trials. These investments highlight GV's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.


14. Redmile Group

  • Website: redmilegroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: redmile-group

Redmile Group is an investment management firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing asset management and investment strategies to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. With a focus on the financial services sector, Redmile Group aims to help clients achieve their financial goals through effective investment management. Notably, Redmile Group has been actively involved in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly through its investments in ElevateBio, a technology company that has raised substantial funding across multiple rounds (Series A to D) to enhance its technology platforms and manufacturing capacity for cell and gene therapies. These investments highlight Redmile Group's engagement in the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing landscape, as ElevateBio's operations include critical manufacturing capabilities for advanced therapies.


15. Samsara BioCapital

  • Website: samsaracap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: samsara-biocapital

Samsara BioCapital is a biotechnology investment firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in innovative therapies and providing support to entrepreneurs in the medical field. Samsara offers fundraising and networking guidance to help biotech companies develop and commercialize their products, primarily serving clients in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. Notably, Samsara has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like ElevateBio, which raised substantial amounts in Series A through D funding rounds, focusing on enhancing technology and manufacturing capacity for cell and gene therapies. This involvement highlights their interest in companies that may engage in pharmaceutical contract manufacturing as part of their growth strategy.


16. F-Prime


F-Prime Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1946. The firm specializes in creating and investing in healthcare and technology companies, providing both venture capital investments and advisory services to entrepreneurs. F-Prime has a global presence and expertise that enables them to effectively support start-ups in developing innovative solutions. Notably, F-Prime has participated in significant funding rounds for companies in the pharmaceutical sector, such as Enzene Biosciences, which raised $50 million, and Caplin Point Laboratories, which secured over $30 million. Additionally, they were involved in the Series A financing of OnCusp Therapeutics, which raised $100 million to advance its antibody development. These transactions highlight F-Prime's commitment to investing in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in companies that may engage in contract manufacturing as part of their operations.


17. United States Department of Defense

  • Website: defense.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1949
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: deptofdefense

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is a public entity established in 1949, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for national security and military operations, providing military forces and services to ensure the safety of the nation. In recent years, the DoD has engaged in significant funding activities within the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing sector, particularly through grants and loans aimed at enhancing biomanufacturing capabilities. Notably, the DoD secured a $410 million long-term loan for National Resilience to develop a robust biomanufacturing capacity for vaccines and biologics, which is crucial for national health security. Additionally, the DoD has provided grants to various pharmaceutical companies, including CMC Pharmaceuticals and Emergent BioSolutions, to support their manufacturing efforts. These transactions highlight the DoD's commitment to strengthening the domestic pharmaceutical supply chain and ensuring rapid vaccine production capabilities, aligning with its broader mission of national defense and public health preparedness.



Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
OrbiMedNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198952
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Perceptive AdvisorsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50199945
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
PfizerNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+184910
ARCH Venture PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)11-50198632
Frazier Healthcare PartnersSeattle, Washington, United States (USA)51-200199127
Vivo CapitalPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-200199619
Janus Henderson InvestorsDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)1001-5000201739
InvusNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198535
Casdin Capital, LLCNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020129
Polaris PartnersBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-50199619
GV (Google Ventures)San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)51-200200974
Redmile GroupSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200715
Samsara BioCapitalPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-50201627
F-PrimeCambridge, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-50194639
United States Department of DefenseWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+194953


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