Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Report Scope & Overview:

The Comparator Drug Sourcing Market size was valued at USD 1.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.72 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.47% over the forecast period of 2025-2032. 

The global comparator drug market is increasing as it becomes more difficult to manage clinical trials. Multinational multiphase studies require in-country comparators that meet local requirements to ensure reliable global logistics. Use of biologics and specialty drugs has added cold chain requirements and narrower time lines. Varying and changing government regulations by region also continue to emphasize the importance of expert sourcing solutions.

For instance, in March 2025, Biologic-based clinical trials increased by 18%, especially in oncology and immunology, driving demand for cold-chain-enabled comparator drug sourcing solutions globallyTop of Form.Top of Form

Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Size and Forecast

• Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Size in 2025: USD 1.42 Billion

• Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Size by 2033: USD 2.72 Billion

• CAGR: 8.47% from 2026 to 2033

• Base Year: 2025E

• Forecast Period: 2026–2033

• Historical Data: 2022–2024

Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Trends

• Rising demand for comparator drugs in clinical trials is driving the comparator drug sourcing market.

• Growing pharmaceutical and biotech R&D activities are boosting the need for reliable drug supply.

• Expansion of outsourcing and contract research organization (CRO) partnerships is fueling market growth.

• Increasing focus on regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and timely delivery is shaping adoption trends.

• Advancements in global sourcing, logistics, and supply chain management are improving efficiency.

• Rising number of complex clinical trials and multi-regional studies is enhancing market demand.

• Collaborations between drug manufacturers, CROs, and clinical research service providers are accelerating innovation and market reach.

The U.S. Comparator Drug Sourcing Market was valued at USD 0.53 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.00 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.34% from 2025 to 2032.  

The US is a major exporter of comparator drugs because of its strong and advanced distribution networks. These networks provide effective supply chain management, broad market coverage, and efficient logistics systems that ensure the comparator drugs are delivered on time, on spec, and in full compliance with the clinical trial sites.

For instance, in January 2025, IN 2024, the U.S. accounted for 38% of all global clinical trials, driving high demand for efficient comparator drug sourcing and advanced distribution infrastructure nationwide.Top of Form

Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Growth Drivers:

• Regulatory Variations Across Regions, Driving the Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Growth

Regulatory differences in different regions also play an important role in the comparative drug sourcing market. Compliance, labeling, and import requirements vary from one country to another, leaving companies to shift sourcing strategies for each market. These complicating factors impact cost, logistics, and risk, driving strategic decisions about local versus global sourcing. Consequently, practicing regulatory navigation can be instrumental in preserving and growing the comparator drug sourcing market share in a variety of trial geographies.

For instance, in February 2025, the EMA reported a 26% increase in comparator drug rejections during 2024 due to non-compliant labeling and documentation in multi-country clinical trials.Top of Form

Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Restraints:

• Regulatory Variations, Restraining the Comparator Drug Sourcing Market    

Regulatory complexities become a challenging factor for the comparator drug sourcing market as compliance, labeling, documentation, and import/export regulations differ from one country to another. These contradictions increase acquisition costs, contradictory logistics, and supply chain risks. This requires companies to evolve their strategies constantly, which may lead to trial deferrals or narrow market access. Such challenges disrupt the flow of business, and impositions of market share caps on the source market for comparator drugs, particularly in the highly regulated or more fragmented jurisdictions.

For instance, in February 2025, A Tufts CSDD study found that 39% of global clinical trials in 2024 were delayed due to regulatory inconsistencies in cross-border comparator drug sourcing

Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Segment Analysis

By Type

Central Sourcing was the dominant segment in the Comparator Drug Sourcing Market analysis, with a market share of 55.60% share in 2025. owing to its expediency, regulatory uniformity, and extendibility in international trials. It allows for more efficient logistics and controlled inventory with minimal compliance risk. With the increasing number of trials globally, sponsors are favoring a centralized model to support the on-time supply, improve operational efficiency, and the comparator drug sourcing market share end-user market in different regions.

Local Sourcing is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Trend with a CAGR of 8.93%, driven by the increasing demand for region-specific compliance, faster on-time delivery, and lesser import hassles. It enables regulatory alignment, reduces customs risks, and shortens trial timelines in developing countries. These benefits are boosting the comparator drug sourcing market growth, particularly in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

By Application

In 2025, the Drug Producers/Manufacturers controlled the global Comparator Drug Sourcing Market share, as they were highly engaged in multinational/phase trials and had control over supply chains. Their ongoing requirement for quality, compliance, and execution for global trials creates significant sourcing demand. This high level of activity strongly supports the overall comparator drug sourcing market growth, particularly in the case of oncology, rare diseases, and biologics studies.

The CMO is the fastest-growing segment in the Comparator Drug Sourcing Market as pharmaceutical companies continue to strategically outsource clinical supply activities to drive down costs and improve efficiency. CMOs provide a complete package solution that includes partner, first-class services, regulatory skills, and global distribution. This outsourcing phenomenon for the comparative drug sourcing market share, particularly for middle-market sponsors and for difficult-to-handle and packaged biologics.

Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Regional Analysis

North America Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Insights

In 2025, the North American region dominated the Comparator Drug Sourcing industry and accounted for 44.60% of the overall revenue share, owing to its high number of clinical trials, sophisticated regulatory framework, and presence of large pharma and biotech companies. The USA itself is a large portion of the global trial market with developed distribution services and a central sourcing footprint. This is also driven by high R&D investment, prevalence of advanced biologics, and good logistics infrastructure," says Rick Fleeter, president of industry analysts PHARMA-Strat.

Europe Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Insights

The second largest share in the comparator drug sourcing market is held by Europe, which can be attributed to the centralized regulation of clinical trials in this region, and the presence of many global pharmaceutical companies in Europe who can run trials in any of the European countries and easily avail comparator through the open market of the respective country. The area is also served by a wealth of EU guidelines, efficient-trial-authorization procedures, and an expanding demand for biologics and biosimilars.

Asia Pacific Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Insights

The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow with the fastest CAGR of 9.03% over the forecast period, owing to an increasing number of clinical trials, growing drug R&D expenditure, and increased regulatory support. China, India, South Korea, and Australia are emerging as major centres of early and late-phase trials with a high number of patients, lower trial costs, and growing participation in global studies.

Middle East & Africa and Latin America Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Insights

The Middle East & Africa is expected to contribute the least to the comparator drug sourcing market due to low clinical trial activity, weak regulatory infrastructure, limited access to global comparator supply, high import barriers, and logistical challenges, restricting regional involvement. In contrast, Latin America is a growing market, driven by increasing clinical trials in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, cost-efficient trial conduct, diverse patient populations, and developing regulatory alignment, though import complexities and scattered logistics remain challenges.

Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Competitive Landscape:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in life sciences, laboratory products, and clinical trial services. The company supports pharmaceutical and biotech clients with end-to-end solutions, including drug development, analytical testing, and clinical supply chain management. Its extensive comparator drug sourcing, storage, and logistics capabilities enable efficient global clinical trials, ensuring regulatory compliance, product integrity, and timely delivery. Thermo Fisher’s integrated approach strengthens its position as a preferred partner for complex trials worldwide.

• 2024: Thermo Fisher’s PPD and clinical trial supply operations positioned the company as a leading clinical-trial supplier, supported by robust comparator drug sourcing and global logistics services.

Clinigen Group plc

Clinigen Group is a global pharmaceutical services company specializing in access to unlicensed medicines, clinical trial support, and comparator drug sourcing. It provides flexible, on-demand supply of branded and generic comparators with full traceability and regulatory compliance. Clinigen’s global network and logistics expertise enable sponsors to streamline clinical trial operations, optimize timelines, and reduce supply-chain complexity, reinforcing its leadership in clinical trial support services and comparator drug distribution across multiple therapeutic areas.

• 2025: Clinigen continues leading global comparator drug sourcing services, offering broad access to branded and generic comparator medicines and flexible logistics support for clinical trial sponsors worldwide.

Catalent, Inc.

Catalent is a leading provider of drug development, delivery, and clinical supply solutions. The company supports global trials through comparator sourcing, controlled-temperature storage, packaging, and logistics, ensuring compliance and product integrity. Catalent’s strategic facility expansions and investments in infrastructure enhance its ability to manage complex clinical-trial requirements, enabling efficient supply to multiple geographies. Its integrated approach strengthens its position as a reliable partner for pharmaceutical sponsors worldwide.

• 2024: Completed a USD 25 million expansion of its Schorndorf facility, boosting controlled-temperature storage and comparator drug handling for clinical supply services.

• 2023: Began construction of a USD 20 million expansion at Schorndorf to grow comparator sourcing, packaging, and supply capacity for Asia-Pacific and global trials.

BAP Pharma Limited

BAP Pharma provides specialized services in clinical trial supply, including comparator drug sourcing, storage, packaging, and labeling. The company’s infrastructure ensures temperature-controlled handling and compliance with global regulatory standards. By delivering flexible and traceable comparator drug supply solutions, BAP Pharma supports efficient trial operations for pharmaceutical sponsors, enhancing reliability, reducing delays, and enabling timely access to critical study materials across multiple regions.

• 2024: Opened a new 28,000 sq ft US headquarters in Somerset, New Jersey, with temperature-controlled storage, comparator drug sourcing, secondary packaging, and labeling capabilities to serve clinical study supply needs.

Cencora, Inc.

Cencora, a leading global pharmaceutical distributor and services provider, offers comprehensive comparator drug sourcing, supply chain, and distribution solutions for clinical trials. Its services include direct sourcing, traceable delivery, and regulatory-compliant distribution from manufacturers to trial sites. By optimizing logistics and ensuring secure, timely delivery, Cencora enables sponsors to conduct complex clinical trials efficiently and reliably, strengthening its position as a key partner for global pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

• 2025: Highlighted its comparator drug sourcing expertise via expanded supply chain services, providing direct sourcing, distribution, and traceable delivery from manufacturers to meet clinical trial demands worldwide.

Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Key Players

Some of the Comparator Drug Sourcing Market Companies

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

• Clinigen Group plc

• Inceptua Group

• Uniphar Clinical

• Catalent, Inc.

• Clinical Services International (CSI)

• BAP Pharma Limited

• Oximio

• Bionical Emas

• Alcura

• Myonex

• Cencora, Inc.

• Sharp Services, LLC

• ADAllen Pharma

• RxSolutions division

• PCI Pharma Services

• Quotient Sciences

• Fisher Clinical Services

• Sourcing4U

• Global Clinical Supplies Group (GCSG)