Ranking Methodology

Our rankings are calculated using a transparent, data-driven algorithm that combines verified user reviews with objective regulatory compliance data.

Composite Score Formula

Each CDMO receives a composite score from 0-100, calculated using the following weighted components:

Review Ratings (40%)

Average of all 9 rating categories from verified reviews:

  • Quality & GMP Compliance
  • Communication & Responsiveness
  • Technical Capabilities
  • Timeline Adherence
  • Pricing & Value
  • Flexibility & Problem-Solving
  • Project Management
  • Documentation Quality
  • Overall Experience

Converted from 5-star scale to 100-point scale

Review Volume (15%)

Logarithmic scaling rewards having more reviews while preventing gaming:

Score = log₁₀(review_count + 1) × 15

This means 10 reviews provide more value than 5, but 100 reviews don't provide 10x the value of 10 reviews.

Review Recency (10%)

Recent feedback is weighted more heavily:

  • Reviews <1 year old: 100% weight
  • Reviews 1-2 years old: 75% weight
  • Reviews >2 years old: 50% weight

FDA Compliance (20%)

Objective regulatory track record:

  • No issues in 2 years: 100%
  • 1 minor 483 in 2 years: 85%
  • 2-3 483s in 2 years: 70%
  • Major 483 or 1 warning letter: 50%
  • Multiple warning letters: 25%
  • Current unresolved warning letter: 10%

"Would Use Again" (10%)

Percentage of reviewers who would use this CDMO again. Direct indicator of satisfaction and likelihood of repeat business.

CDMO Engagement (5%)

Bonus points for CDMOs that respond professionally to reviews, showing they value feedback and engage with the community.

Letter Grades

Composite scores are converted to letter grades for easy interpretation:

A+
95-100
A
90-94
A-
85-89
B+
80-84
B
75-79
B-
70-74
C+
65-69
C
60-64
D/F
<60
Category-Specific Rankings

For specialized rankings (e.g., "Best for Biotech Startups" or "Best for Phase 3"), we:

  1. Filter reviews to only those matching the category criteria
  2. Apply the same composite score formula with adjusted weights:
    • Category-specific ratings: 50% (increased importance)
    • Other factors remain proportionally weighted
  3. Require minimum threshold (typically 5 reviews in category)
  4. Update rankings in real-time as new reviews are submitted
Transparency & Updates

We believe in complete transparency:

  • Rankings update in real-time as new reviews are submitted
  • All review data is from verified industry professionals
  • FDA data is pulled from public government databases
  • We do not accept payment from CDMOs for improved rankings
  • Algorithm updates are announced with explanation of changes