July 26, 2024
Pharmaceutical-and-Consumer-Health

The Global Pharmaceutical Contract Sales Outsourcing (CSO) Market is Estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Advancements in Sales Force Automation Technologies

The global pharmaceutical contract sales outsourcing (CSO) market involves companies outsourcing their sales force operations to specialized CSO providers. Pharmaceutical CSOs help drugs manufacturers effectively reach physicians, health systems, and boost product sales through detailed territory planning and deployment of trained representatives. With advancements in sales force automation technologies like CRM software, field force analytics, and digital detailing tools, CSO providers can now optimize sales representatives routing, monitor KPIs in real-time, and enhance their engagement with healthcare professionals. This is anticipated to significantly improve sales performance for biopharma clients.

The Global Pharmaceutical Contract Sales Outsourcing (CSO) Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 8,599.2 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the pharmaceutical contract sales outsourcing market are IQVIA Inc., Syneos Health Inc., Parexel International Corporation, PPD, ICON plc, Publicis Touchpoint Solutions, Inc., PRA Health Sciences, Inc., The Medical Affairs Company (TMAC), Ashfield Healthcare Communications Group, and GTS Solutions.
Key opportunities Global Pharmaceutical Contract Sales Outsourcing Size in the market include growing demand for specialized sales teams, increasing drug launches requiring promotional activities, and advancement of digital technologies enabling hybrid sales models.
Advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and analytics are allowing CSO firms to offer enhanced services like predictive analytics, virtual detailing, remote engagement, and real-time adherence monitoring.

Market Drivers

The increasing volume of patent expirations and launch of new complex specialty drugs by biopharma players is fueling the growth of pharmaceutical contract sales outsourcing market. Specialized CSO providers help optimize costs and boost sales performance of clients through data-driven field force deployment and multichannel engagement strategies.

Current challenges in Pharmaceutical Contract Sales Outsourcing (CSO) Market

The global pharmaceutical contract sales outsourcing market is facing some challenges currently including high costs of clinical trials, patent expirations of blockbuster drugs, price pressures from regulatory authorities and payers, and an increasing demand for specialized sales forces. Growing requirements from pharmaceutical companies to launch new products at faster speed has forced CSO providers to hire and train specialized sales representatives. However, finding and retaining talent remains difficult. Also, compliance with strict regulations surrounding pharmaceutical promotion is an ongoing challenge for CSO players.

SWOT Analysis

Strength: CSO providers have capabilities to handle both primary and secondary details of sales functions for pharmaceutical companies on a large scale. They offer data-driven insights and customized solutions.
Weakness: Lack of in-house R&D capabilities makes CSO providers dependent on pharmaceutical clients for new product pipelines. High employee turnover impacts relationship building with target customers.
Opportunity: Emerging markets like Asia Pacific and Latin America provide scope for international expansion. Growth of personalized medicine and specialty drug segments increases demand for therapeutic specialized sales forces.
Threats: Stringent regulations around pharmaceutical marketing could impact outsourcing models. Pharmaceutical companies may decide to bring sales functions in-house reducing dependency on CSO players.

Geographical Regions

In terms of value, North America is currently the largest market for pharmaceutical contract sales outsourcing mainly due to high adoption of CSO services among US pharmaceutical companies. The presence of several global CSO providers and willingness of pharmaceutical firms to focus on core competencies rather than non-core sales functions drives growth.

Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. Improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing healthcare spending in countries like China, India, and Japan are expanding the demand for pharmaceutical products. This is providing opportunities for CSO players to assist pharmaceutical companies in tapping market potential through localized sales teams.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it