Outsourced Pharma Services: SSI Strategy Combines Science and Consulting Expertise

Featured professionals: Cheairs Porter, Geoff Smith, Tyler Bradshaw, Dan Linsalata, Rob Crampton

Pharma and biotech companies bring lifesaving therapies to patients, yet drug development is more specialized, complicated, and expensive than ever. These challenges are driving demand for outsourced service and technology providers that can better manage medical, regulatory, and organizational complexities across the drug lifecycle.

Below, our Healthcare & Life Sciences Group explores what’s driving investor interest in outsourced pharma services, and how our recent client SSI Strategy became a leader in the space.

Partners in Managing Complexity

To combat an increase in chronic and rare diseases, the drug development pipeline continues to favor targeted treatments that are more complex to develop and expensive to bring to market. As a result, funding is reserved for only the most promising molecules, making clinical development strategies and regulatory pathways vital for success.

This is why a diverse group of outsourced pharma companies is relied upon by biopharma organizations. “Pharma and biotech organizations are focusing on their core skillsets and need more help navigating each phase of specialty drug development, from concept through launch,” says Cheairs Porter, a managing director.

And, because coordinating a large network of vendors comes with its own costs and logistical hurdles, providers that can own more aspects of the process are especially in demand. “Pharma and biotech manufacturers have wide-ranging pain points related to drug distribution, patient administration, and regulatory adherence,” adds Porter. “Outsourced providers that can help are sought after by customers and investors alike.”

Outsourced pharma companies particularly well-positioned for growth are combining scientific experience and advisory solutions to become indispensable strategic partners. These businesses empower manufacturers to get closer to the patient, ensure proper administration of complicated medications, control the commercialization of their products, and more.

In addition, providers are increasingly leveraging advanced technology to offer more flexible, cost-effective, and data-backed solutions to their customers. “Through AI and automation, providers can enable biopharma businesses to deliver more personalized care, streamline patient access, improve medication adherence, and ultimately generate better outcomes,” says Dan Linsalata, a managing director. “Companies with these capabilities are the most differentiated and appealing in the segment, and our client SSI Strategy is a prime example.”

SSI Strategy: Solving Biotech Obstacles

SSI Strategy delivers full-service teams that combine scientific expertise with business rigor to help biotechs address medical, regulatory, and organizational challenges across all stages of drug development. Harris Williams advised SSI Strategy, a portfolio company of Amulet Capital Partners, on its sale to Clinigen Group, a portfolio company of Triton Partners.

The company’s success rests in its blend of strategic insights, technical experience, and consulting services that support the distinct needs of biotech manufacturers. “SSI’s ability to build and scale many key scientific functions, like clinical development and operations, strategic program management, regulatory strategy, medical affairs, safety, and evidence and value, is unique in the space and highly attractive to both clients and investors,” explains Porter.

At the same time, SSI differentiates itself through tailored approaches that match each biotech’s specific drug development challenges. “As a strategic partner for its clients, SSI is tapped directly into organizations to drive important milestones while reducing risk,” says Rob Crampton, a director. “The company is a true extension of internal teams, helping them to empower employees, enhance performance, and streamline operations.”

Through its comprehensive solutions and flexible resources, SSI has become a best-in-class drug development advisory with the infrastructure and scientific knowledge to generate ongoing growth. “The combination of SSI and Clinigen establishes a trusted global partner for the biopharma industry, and we look forward to seeing what they do next,” says Porter.

Adding Value, Saving Lives

Across the drug development lifecycle, increasing complexity is creating many opportunities for companies to provide more value to pharma and biotech manufacturers.

“There’s exciting growth potential for companies throughout the pharma ecosystem, especially as medications become more targeted and costly to develop,” says Porter. “Leaders in the space will continue to pair strategic and scientific expertise with advanced technology to solve more drug development hurdles, and we’re excited to watch companies like SSI capture investor attention.”

To further discuss outsourced pharma services M&A, please contact our senior professionals.