HTC-15

HTC-15 - Abstract

Abstract Title: Laboratory Automation: The Rise of the Machines
Abstract Type: Seminar
Session Choice: Automating Complex Sample Workflows
Presenter Name: Mr Scott Summerfield
Company/Organisation: GSK
Country: United Kingdom

Abstract Information :

The dynamics of drug discovery and development are demanding the generation of increasingly complex analytical data to support the progression and filing of drug candidates; whether this be PK-related, biomarker measurements or monitoring safety endpoints. Against this backdrop, Pharma companies are looking to use internal and externally deployed resources to maximum effect in order to mitigate against the spiralling costs of drug progression.

Effective deployment of automation in the laboratory environment is a key strategy to better utilise the costly resource we have in highly trained scientists. In our division this has involved assessing the critical bottlenecks that impact the working practices of our people, not necessarily 'big ticket' automation items but those that facilitate increased agility of staff, better use of lab time and better flow of quality data to project teams. Critically automation equipment on its own is not enough because a culture of acceptance for the implementation of new technologies has to play its part. This presentation will cover elements of automation from the small to transformational, building trust with lab scientists and also what lies ahead in the bioanalytical sciences supporting drug discovery and development.