Cold Emailing Biotechs Without Sounding Generic

Sarah Sink
Aug 26
3 min read

Cold outreach is a lifeline in CDMO business development. The problem? Most biotech executives receive dozens of “We’d love to partner with you” emails every week, and many end up deleted before the second sentence. Generic messaging not only fails to spark interest, but it can also damage credibility. If your email reads like it could’ve been sent to anyone, chances are it won’t resonate with the person you’re hoping to engage.

1. Stop Leading with Yourself

The biggest mistake in cold outreach is starting with, “We are a leading CDMO offering XYZ services…”. Biotech sponsors don’t wake up wondering about your capabilities; they’re consumed with advancing their program. Lead with their world, not yours.

Example: Instead of saying, “We offer sterile fill-finish capabilities with fast turnaround times,” try: “I noticed your recent IND filing for [program name/therapeutic area]. At this stage, managing drug product timelines can be tricky. We’ve helped other companies at this point avoid delays around scale-up and tech transfer.”

By framing the email around their challenge, you position yourself as relevant, not just available.

2. Anchor to Something Specific

Sponsors can tell when your email is a copy-paste job. Demonstrating that you’ve done even five minutes of research sets you apart. Reference a press release, clinical milestone, or pipeline update.

Sponsors value partners who understand context. For example: “I saw your Series B funding announcement focused on advancing [therapy]. Many of my biotech clients at this stage are navigating increased investor pressure around timelines. Would it help to compare how others have structured their CMC plans to manage risk?”

3. Keep the Ask Small

Cold outreach isn’t the time to ask for a full proposal review or a one-hour capabilities meeting. Instead, aim for a short, low-barrier next step.

Example asks:

“Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call to compare notes on how similar programs approached early manufacturing risk?”
“Could I share a case study where we supported a program moving from Phase I to Phase II on an accelerated timeline?”

When the ask is specific and low-commitment, the likelihood of a response goes up.

4. Make It Human

Overly formal or robotic language is another reason emails flop. A biotech executive doesn’t want to feel like they’re on the receiving end of a mass marketing campaign. Write like a person who understands their pressure points, not like a brochure.

Tone matters. Try something like: “I know inboxes are crowded, but I wanted to reach out because your [program/announcement] stood out. Happy to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) for others in your shoes.”

This shows humility and empathy; two qualities that build trust faster than any capability list.

5. Don’t Overpromise

Sponsors are quick to tune out emails that claim “fastest turnaround” or “seamless execution.” Experienced biotech leaders know the realities of CMC. Instead of promises, focus on proof and credibility. Reference actual outcomes or practical insights.

If you want to sharpen your outreach and move beyond generic pitches, my course Ask Smarter, Close Sooner: The Strategic Guide for CDMO BD Pros goes deeper. It’s built specifically for business development professionals and covers how to frame smarter questions, structure initial outreach, and turn cold emails into warm conversations that matter.

Closing Thought

Cold emailing doesn’t have to feel like shouting into the void. By leading with the biotech’s challenges, showing you’ve done your homework, and keeping the ask human and realistic, you can transform outreach from ignored to engaged.

For more insights and personalized support in navigating the biotech-CDMO landscape, visit my website: www.yourpharmagirl.com and follow Your Pharma Girl on LinkedIn. Whether you need strategic guidance, tailored business development solutions, or expert advice on building lasting partnerships, I’m here to help you and your team succeed at every stage of development.