Electronic Solutions: Data and Information Management
Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle, WA
6/21/2009

A common theme throughout drug development is to “do more with less” and reduce the cost of drug development. One way to obtain more results with fewer resources and reduced costs is to be more efficient. The 21st century ligand binding assay laboratories must harness potential synergies between technology platforms, innovative optimization approaches, robotics, software programs, LIMS and electronic lab notebooks. The current consensus is that most ligand binding assay laboratories have not achieved the level of efficiency that is possible. Some of the reasons for this lack of efficiency include: dependence on manual processes, lack of instrument and system integration, reliance on paper, and lack of functionality by the LIMS. Many companies are building efficiencies and integrated systems within their own bioanalytical laboratories using similar but individualized approaches. Yet the commonality of the challenges and approaches to addressing issues of inefficiency in individual ligand binding labs suggests opportunities to develop more widely accessible technologies. The purpose of this workshop will be to provide a vision of the ideal 21st century laboratory. In order to build the vision, we will outline the challenges and unique aspects of LBA laboratory processes and workflow and provide examples of successful components that, if combined, would create the ideal laboratory.

  • Provide a forum for discussing the challenges that have limited ligand binding assay labs from achieving full efficiency;
  • provide a forum for illustrating state-of-the-art practices;
  • provide bioanalytical scientists from industry and contract research organizations a forum to describe their vision of the ideal bioanalytical laboratory;
  • provide vendors an opportunity to share aspects of their current products that will allow the labs to achieve this level of efficiency and quality; and
  • provide a venue for bioanalytical scientists and vendors to discuss future trends, needs and opportunities.