PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1808925
PUBLISHER: AnalystView Market Insights | PRODUCT CODE: 1808925
Viral Vector Contract Development Manufacturing Organizations Market size was valued at US$ 1,123 Million in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2025 to 2032.
The Viral Vector Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMO) Market focuses on outsourcing services for the production of viral vectors used in gene therapies, vaccines, and cell-based treatments. Over 30 gene therapy approvals globally by mid-2024 and an expanding pipeline of AAV, lentiviral, and adenoviral vector trials are fueling demand for specialized manufacturing. Rising investments from pharma and biotech firms are pushing CDMOs to scale up, with Thermo Fisher Scientific investing $650 million in 2023 to expand its cell and gene therapy network. However, high production costs, complex bioprocessing, and regulatory scrutiny over viral safety and consistency may restrain progress. Nonetheless, opportunities are emerging through strategic partnerships, platform standardization, and rising demand from regions lacking domestic vector production.
Viral Vector Contract Development Manufacturing Organizations Market- Market Dynamics
Expanding Gene Therapy Pipeline and Biotech Investments Accelerate Growth of Viral Vector CDMO Market
The rapid expansion of gene therapy pipelines and increased biotech investments are accelerating the growth of the viral vector CDMO market. As of 2024, over 2,000 gene therapy clinical trials are active globally, according to the U.S. FDA and Alliance for Regenerative Medicine. This surge has prompted major pharmaceutical players to outsource vector production to specialized CDMOs to meet scalability and compliance needs. In 2023, the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded funding to expand domestic viral vector manufacturing to reduce reliance on overseas supply. Companies like Catalent and Thermo Fisher Scientific have invested hundreds of millions to enhance viral vector infrastructure, addressing the rising demand for AAV and lentiviral vectors in oncology and rare disease therapies. These developments underscore a clear trend toward long-term CDMO partnerships and strategic capacity expansion across North America and Europe.
Viral Vector Contract Development Manufacturing Organizations Market- Key Insights
As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 18.5% over the forecast period (2025-2032)
Based on Vector Type segmentation, Adeno-associated virus (AAV) was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2024
Based on Workflow Stage segmentation, Upstream processing was the leading Workflow Stage in 2024
Based on Scale segmentation, the Clinical scale was the leading Scale in 2024
On the basis of region, North America was the leading revenue generator in 2024
The Global Viral Vector Contract Development Manufacturing Organizations Market is segmented on the basis of Vector Type, Workflow Stage, Scale, Application, and Region.
The market is divided into six categories based on Vector Type: Adenovirus, Lentivirus, Adeno-associated Virus, Retrovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Hybrid/Chimeric Vectors. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) leads due to its proven safety and efficiency in gene delivery, followed by lentivirus for stable gene integration. Adenovirus ranks third for vaccine development, while retrovirus, herpes simplex virus, and hybrid vectors are used in niche therapies.
The market is divided into two categories based on Workflow Stage: Upstream Processing (Cell culture (HEK293, Sf9), Transfection/infection protocols), and Downstream Processing (Filtration & Chromatography, Ultracentrifugation, Final Product Formulation). Upstream processing holds priority, with HEK293 cell culture and optimized transfection protocols widely used for scalable vector production. Downstream processing follows, where filtration and chromatography dominate purification, while ultracentrifugation and final formulation are essential for ensuring vector stability and clinical-grade quality.
Viral Vector Contract Development Manufacturing Organizations Market- Geographical Insights
North America holds a leading position in the viral vector CDMO market, supported by a robust biopharma ecosystem, government funding, and advanced infrastructure. In 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its Maryland facility to enhance AAV vector production, while the U.S. FDA continued to accelerate approvals for gene therapies. Europe is also a key hub, with growing demand for contract manufacturing in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands. In June 2024, Catalent collaborated with Oxford Biomedica to scale up viral vector manufacturing for European clients. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging rapidly, led by China, Japan, and South Korea, where increasing government support for cell and gene therapy is prompting local CDMOs to boost capabilities. In 2024, Japan's AGC Biologics announced a strategic partnership with a local gene therapy company to establish viral vector production lines in Chiba, signaling regional capacity strengthening.
The viral vector CDMO market features strategic moves and capacity expansion among top players. Thermo Fisher Scientific leads the charge, acquiring Brammer Bio in 2019 and Novasep's Henogen division in January 2021 for approximatel €725 million (~$875 million), significantly enhancing its European viral vector footprint and complementing U.S. operations in Lexington, Cambridge, Plainville, and Alachua. Catalent-supporting over half of FDA-approved new drugs in the past decade and producing roughly 70 billion doses annually across 50+ facilities-was acquired by Novo Holdings for $16.5 billion in December 2024, reshaping contract manufacturing dynamics across drug, gene therapy, and injection delivery segments. Regional collaborations further enrich competition, such as Catalent's partnerships with Sarepta Therapeutics and multiple COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers. Together, these M&A and alliance strategies demonstrate intensifying differentiation through scale, global coverage, and therapeutic specialization.
In June 2025, ProBio opened a 128,000 sq ft GMP facility in Hopewell, New Jersey, to produce plasmid DNA and viral vectors. The site will begin AAV manufacturing by Q3 2025 and LVV services by Q1 2026.
In May 2024, Charles River Laboratories launched a viral vector tech transfer program, offering two frameworks-Fast Track for seamless transfers and Modular for customizable applications-to accelerate process handoffs to its Maryland Center of Excellence in as little as nine months.
In September 2024, Rentschler Biopharma launched a comprehensive lentiviral vector (LVV) manufacturing toolbox at its advanced therapies facility in Stevenage, UK, complementing its existing AAV services. This includes process development, cGMP manufacturing, and a royalty-free HEK293 cell line to accelerate ATMP production.