Novartis on What Great CDMO Partnerships Actually Look Like

Novartis on What Great CDMO Partnerships Actually Look Like

From PharmaSource Podcast by Life Science Networks

April 16, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

Isabel Feuerstein and Mark Schiefermeier discuss the foundations of high-performing CDMO relationships and Novartis' strategy for the future of biologics.

“Don’t pick a CMO that just agrees with you.” Isabel Feuerstein is Head of Business Development for EU and Asia CMO at Novartis, where she shapes the company’s contract manufacturing strategy across key global markets. Mark Schiefermeier leads the manufacturing unit at DS Schaftenau, one of Novartis’ critical drug substance manufacturing facilities in Austria, overseeing technical execution and quality systems that underpin Novartis’ external manufacturing commitments. In this episode of the PharmaSource podcast, Isabel and Mark explain why technical credibility, real transparency, and a willingness to challenge clients are the foundations of a high-performing CDMO relationship — and how Novartis is positioning its CMO business for the future of biologics. Read more .

People in this episode

Guests: Isabel Feuerstein, Mark Schiefermeier

Topics covered

  • CDMO partnerships
  • contract manufacturing
  • biologics
  • transparency
  • technical credibility

Keywords

  • CDMO
  • contract manufacturing
  • biologics
  • transparency
  • technical credibility
  • Novartis
  • drug substance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Novartis, DS Schaftenau

Places: Austria

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