This interview features Mr. Neeraj Sharma, CEO of OneSource Specialty Pharma, a newly established Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) formed by merging three businesses within the Strides Group. With a legacy of over 30 years of Strides Group, OneSource specializes in biologics, drug-device combinations, and soft gelatin capsules. Mr. Sharma discusses the company’s unique end-to-end solutions, industry trends, supply chain challenges, and the changing landscape of pharmaceutical outsourcing. This conversation took place during the CPHI Milan 2024 event, a key gathering in the pharmaceutical industry.
World Pharma Today: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Sharma. Can you tell us about the formation of OneSource and what prompted this merger?
Neeraj Sharma: Absolutely! OneSource was created as a response to the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry. We merged three CDMO businesses within the Strides Group to create a more robust entity that can offer comprehensive solutions across various verticals.
World Pharma Today: Your launch at CPHI Milan seems well-timed. What motivated you to announce OneSource here?
Neeraj Sharma: Launching here was strategic. CPHI attracts a diverse audience, making it an ideal platform for brand announcements. The event’s scale allows us to engage with key industry players, helping us establish our presence in the market.
World Pharma Today: How do you differentiate OneSource from other CDMOs in the market? What makes your offering unique?
Neeraj Sharma: Our unique value lies in our end-to-end offerings across all three verticals. In drug-device combinations, for example, we handle everything from filing cartridges to assembling pens and auto-injectors, all the way to packaging and serialization. We’re one of the few companies globally that integrate both drug substance and drug product production at the same site. This end-to-end approach minimizes complexity for our customers, allowing them to focus on their core competencies.
World Pharma Today: Supply chain management is critical in the CDMO space. What is your perspective on this issue?
Neeraj Sharma: The supply chain has become a significant focus, especially post-COVID. We’ve learned that maintaining control over the supply chain is vital. Our longstanding relationships with API vendors and packaging material suppliers allow us to navigate challenges effectively. This capability not only ensures smoother operations but also enables us to offer better pricing and support to our customers.
World Pharma Today: What major trends do you foresee in the CDMO market?
Neeraj Sharma: One significant trend is the shift toward outsourcing. Companies are increasingly looking to reduce complexity and focus on their core areas, whether that’s product development or market strengths. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on compliance, especially in biologics and drug-device combinations. We’re seeing an influx of interest from large pharma companies, which reflects a shift in how the industry views outsourcing partnerships.
World Pharma Today: It seems like there’s a change in mindset regarding vendor relationships. Can you elaborate on this?
Neeraj Sharma: Yes, companies are diversifying their vendor bases to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions. This shift allows them to maintain more stable operations in an unpredictable environment.
World Pharma Today: Regulatory changes are a constant in this industry. How is OneSource positioned to adapt?
Neeraj Sharma: Regulatory compliance is indeed a significant challenge, particularly with complex injectables. At OneSource, we prioritize quality and compliance, which are embedded in our organizational DNA. Over the past 15 years, we’ve undergone numerous regulatory inspections and audits, maintaining a stellar track record. This focus on quality helps us build and sustain trust with our clients.
World Pharma Today: Your journey at CPHI has been interesting. What has your experience been like at this event?
Neeraj Sharma: CPHI is always bustling with activity. It’s a unique opportunity for the industry to come together and share insights. I’ve been attending for over 20 years, and it’s fascinating to see how the event has grown, particularly with the increasing participation from Indian companies.
World Pharma Today: Thank you, Mr. Sharma, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing OneSource’s impact on the CDMO landscape.
Neeraj Sharma: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our vision for OneSource.
