Accelerate Digital Transformation in Biopharma R&D
Whitepaper
Published: March 21, 2025

Credit: Sapio Sciences
The biopharmaceutical industry stands at a critical technological crossroads, where fragmented, legacy informatics systems create bottlenecks that impede innovation and slow drug discovery.
By embracing Biopharma 4.0 principles – incorporating artificial intelligence, automation and advanced analytics – organizations can break down data silos, enhance collaboration and accelerate the development of life-changing therapies.
This whitepaper explores how unified informatics platforms are revolutionizing biopharmaceutical R&D.
Download this whitepaper to discover:
- How unified laboratory informatics platforms are transforming multimodal research
- The crucial role of built-in AI interfaces in accelerating experimental design and data analysis
- Practical strategies for implementing agile workflows that can adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of R&D labs
Complex Science Needs Agile IT
2
Adopting digitization and automation within biopharmaceutical research and
discovery (R&D) holds immense promise for enhancing drug discovery. But outdated,
legacy informatics systems—often fragmented and incompatible with modern
laboratory technologies—can create bottlenecks that inhibit innovation. A unified,
configurable, and AI-powered laboratory informatics platform that incorporates
the principles and features of biopharma 4.0 enables IT to streamline laboratory
operations and accelerate biopharmaceutical drug discovery.
Biopharma 4.0 represents the convergence of Industry 4.0 principles with
the digitization of the biopharmaceutical sector. Key elements of biopharma
4.0 include automation, advanced data analytics, and artificial intelligence
(AI). Collectively, these technologies help streamline complex processes,
minimize human error, increase overall efficiency, and extract meaningful
insights from complex datasets.1
Agility in biopharma R&D “combines a stable
backbone of core processes and capabilities with a high degree of flexibility
for rapid response to change.”2
Agile IT, characterized by adaptability and
responsiveness, is a critical aspect of R&D agility.
The Sapio Laboratory Informatics Platform unifies Sapio ELN®, Sapio LIMS®,
and Sapio Jarvis® SDMS on a common architectural foundation to ensure
seamless functionality and unified data across all R&D laboratory operations.
This white paper describes specific features of the Sapio Platform that
enable IT agility to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the modern, digital
biopharmaceutical R&D lab.
Introduction
3
Agile Workflows
Meeting the Dynamic Demands of Modern R&D
The Sapio Laboratory Informatics Platform
incorporates features that enable agile IT
Workflows in automated, digital labs must
accommodate the way scientists work, meet the
highly specialized nature of today’s advanced
scientific discovery, and provide the flexibility
to address rapidly changing R&D requirements
in the future. The Sapio platform provides a
comprehensive suite of pre-built, specialized
workflows that can be rapidly deployed to meet
many research needs. Additionally, the Sapio
platform’s no/low-code configuration capabilities
empower scientists to easily define unique data
concepts, design custom experiments, and
orchestrate complex workflows without writing a
single line of code.
The Innovation Labs of the Ellison Institute of Technology
(EIT) exemplify the benefits of Sapio’s approach. EIT conducts
innovative research across various health and medical sciences,
including developing new therapeutic compounds for cancer
treatment. Roi Bagsic, a quality control analyst responsible for
laboratory operations at EIT, played a pivotal role in selecting
the Sapio Platform and states that,
“The easy customization and quick adaptability
of the platform for the different projects and
scenarios we undertake gave me confidence
that it could do whatever we needed.”
IT Agility
Platform
Built-In AI and
Advanced Tools
Interoperability
Data Security
and Compliance
Agile Workflows
Automation
Unified
Multimodal Data
4
Automation
Driving Efficiency and Improving User Satisfaction
The automation of routine and repetitive laboratory tasks, historically performed manually, is a powerful means
of increasing efficiency, reducing human error, and improving user satisfaction. The Sapio Informatics Platform
(including ELN and LIMS) is designed for out-of-the-box integration with various laboratory instruments and
robots. Because of its cloud-based architecture, Sapio ensures that new instrument integrations and workflows
are continuously added and existing ones updated automatically. Beyond instrument integration, the Sapio platform
can also automate critical operational activities such as inventory management, sample tracking, and data tracking.
The Human Genome Sequencing Center (HGSC) at the Baylor College of Medicine, known for its cutting-edge
research, successfully implemented Sapio to streamline instrument integration, optimize robotics workflows, and
improve inventory, sample, and data management. HGSC was able to rapidly integrate the Sapio platform with their
robotics and reporting systems and successfully deploy the entire solution over a single weekend. Harshavardhana
Doddapaneni, Director of the HGSC Research Laboratory, summarized the impact of the platform:
“Sapio software was a game-changer for our lab operations, streamlining our processes
and reducing wastage.”
Unified Multimodal Data
Providing a Single Source of Truth
Traditional biopharmaceutical R&D has typically relied on separate workflows and registration systems for smallmolecule and large-molecule research. The emergence of new modalities, such as recombinant proteins, peptides,
and engineered antibodies, is redefining that paradigm. Over the past few years, revenues from new-modality
products increased by $60 billion, with the percentage value of new modalities in the five-year forward pipeline
projected to increase from 41% to a staggering 56%.3 The future of biopharmaceutical R&D is clearly multimodal.
The foundation of the Sapio Laboratory Informatics Platform is a single materials management system that does
not distinguish between small-molecule, large-molecule, or multimodal entities—rather they are all collected and
managed as molecular materials. As a result, chemists and biologists work together on a single, unified multimodal
discovery platform that automatically tracks the complete lineage of every entity and its component parts to
integrate and harmonize collective scientific data across the entire laboratory informatics enterprise.
This unified data foundation serves as a “single source of truth” for every R&D scientist, fostering a collaborative
and efficient environment. By eliminating information silos and allowing teams controlled access, the Sapio platform
minimizes miscommunication and accelerates the discovery of insight. Oxford BioMedica (OXB), a pioneering gene
and cell therapy company and a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has
recognized the value of this unified approach. The company collaborates with some of the world’s most innovative
biopharmaceutical companies, emphasizing the importance of seamless data access and utilization.
5
Built-in AI and Advanced Tools
Unlocking Scientific Potential
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the scientific landscape. While the
2010s experienced a boom in the development of machine-learning algorithms for
analyzing complex scientific data sets, the 2020s ushered in the era of generative
AI, offering unprecedented potential for accelerating drug discovery.4 The McKinsey
Global Institute (MGI) estimates that generative AI in biopharmaceutical research
could generate $60 billion to $100 billion a year in economic value by accelerating
the process of identifying and developing novel drug candidates.5
Sapio ELaiN (Electronic Laboratory Artificial Intelligence Notebook) exemplifies
the power of AI within the Sapio platform. By integrating with multiple scientific
applications and data sources, ELaiN provides a unified interface for designing
experiments, analyzing data, and generating actionable insights. Through a simple
natural language chat interface, a scientist can leverage large language models
(LLMs) to rapidly create experiments, search and visualize data, and generate
code to create an experiment, simply by describing what they want to do.
In addition to AI, Sapio’s Molecular Biology Toolkit incorporates advanced tools
to visualize, analyze, and utilize scientific data—from CRISPR design and plasmid
construction to PCR primer and compound design. Collectively, built-in AI and other
advanced tools enable scientists to conduct research easier and faster and to develop
new approaches that outperform existing methods.
Prashant Vaidyanathan, Director of Data Science and Software Development at
OXB, is responsible for ensuring that all users have access to data that meets their
specific needs and enables them to extract maximum value from their research. He
aptly summarized the challenges of a multimodal lab: “One of the most challenging
and complex approaches to [digitizing your data] is to have one platform that caters
to the needs of all your departments.” He emphasized the success of the Sapio
platform across departments, stating,
“It was really great to see end users who have been using Sapio
giving it glowing recommendations.”
6
Designed with interoperability in mind,
the Sapio Platform offers multiple
integration options, including:
• A RESTful API (application programming
interface)—the de facto standard for life sciences
software, facilitating easy data exchange and
integration with other systems.
• Webhooks to enable real-time communications
with web applications for dynamic and responsive
data exchange.
• Pre-built plugins that streamline common
integration tasks and enhance connectivity
capabilities with a wide range of third-party
systems.
Interoperability
Connecting the R&D Ecosystem
The modern R&D lab doesn’t operate in a vacuum
but rather within a dynamic ecosystem that extends
beyond the informatics platform. Seamless integration
with external systems and applications is essential
for synchronizing data, automating processes, and
achieving smooth cross-platform interoperability.
During the evaluation of the Sapio platform for
the Ellison Institute of Technology, Frank Callari,
director of IT, was particularly impressed with Sapio’s
API-first architecture because it enabled him to
programmatically streamline and automate many
lab operations. Additionally, the platform’s Webhook
functionality allowed the Institute to extend the product
as they desired. Mr. Callari especially appreciated the
uniqueness of Sapio’s unified lab informatics platform,
“Most competitors offered products, but Sapio offered
more — it offered a complete platform.”
Data Security and Compliance
Establishing a Foundation of Trust
In today’s interconnected world, data security and
regulatory compliance are paramount. The Sapio
Platform includes robust safeguards to ensure
the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all
research data. The platform adheres to the highest
industry standards, including:
• SOC 2 Type II certification, demonstrating strong
controls over security, availability, processing
integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
• ISO 27001, adhering to international best
practices for information security management.
• Compliance with major regulations, including
HIPAA, EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF),
and EU General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR).
Furthermore, the Sapio platform is certified for Good
Laboratory Practices (GLP) to ensure the highest quality
of data generation and adherence to stringent regulatory
requirements. Global GLP certifications include:
• ISO/IEC 17025, a globally recognized standard for
testing and calibration laboratories.
• FDA GLP compliance to meet the rigorous standards
of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• OECD principles of GLP compliance, adhering to
the guidelines of the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development.
• Compliance with other global regulatory bodies,
including the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the China Food and Drug
Administration (CFDA), and the Therapeutic Goods
Administration (TGA).
A US-headquartered leader in biopharmaceutical discovery laboratory services with over 150
facilities across more than 20 countries uses the Sapio Informatics Platform (including Electronic
Lab Notebook and Laboratory Information Management System) to connect scientists worldwide,
ensure compliance with global GLP standards, and safeguard the privacy and integrity of all
research data. The organization, known for its decades of excellence in laboratory services,
understands the importance of continuous process improvement to maintain its position at the
forefront of drug discovery. By adopting the Sapio platform, they have gained the IT agility
needed to continually adapt and adhere to evolving regulatory standards and consistently
deliver the highest quality of service to their customers.
8 © 2025 Sapio Sciences. All Rights Reserved.
1. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/latest-industry-report-on-new-drug-modalities
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9661701/
3. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/benefits-and-risks-of-new-drug-modalities
4. https://www.genengnews.com/gen-edge/the-unbearable-cost-of-drug-development-deloitte-report-shows-15-
jump-in-rd-to-2-3-billion/
5. https://www.genengnews.com/insights/multimodal-screening-the-future-of-drug-discovery-and-development/
6. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220714005390/en/Cloud-based-Solutions-for-Drug-DiscoveryDevelopment-and-Manufacturing---Global-Industry-Outlook-2022-2027---ResearchAndMarkets.com
Conclusion
Features and Benefits of IT Agility
in a Biopharmaceutical R&D Lab
Security and
Compliance
Built-in AI and
Advanced Tools
Agile Workflows
Automation
Unified
Multimodal Data
Interoperability
• Generative AI accessed through a simple, natural language chat interface leverages large language
models (LLM) to rapidly create experiments, search and visualize data, and even generate code.
• Advanced molecular tools — such as CRISPR, plasmid, and PCR design — enable scientists to quickly
and easily visualize, analyze, and utilize scientific data.
• A comprehensive suite of pre-built, specialized workflows for rapid deployment.
• No/low-code configuration capabilities enable lab scientists to quickly modify workflows without
writing code.
• Integration with a broad range of laboratory instruments and robots.
• Automation of critical operational activities such as inventory, sample, and data management.
• Cloud-based architecture for continual, automated software updates.
• A single, unified multimodal discovery platform tracks the complete lineage of every molecular
entity and its component parts to integrate and harmonize collective scientific data across the entire
laboratory.
• A single, unified view of all information by every scientist in the lab, regardless of discipline, improves
collaboration, reduces miscommunication, and accelerates delivery of complete, accurate results.
• Multiple interface and communications options — including API, Webhooks, and pre-built plugins
— provide seamless integration with external systems and applications to synchronize data and
automate processes across platforms.
• Built-in protection in accordance with comprehensive global information security and data privacy
standards to assure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Global compliance certifications to ensure that data generated is of the highest quality leading to
better, more effective research outcomes.
Scientists innovate. This has been true since the 19th
century, when the primary tools to conduct and document
experiments in early pharmaceutical labs were glass
beakers, Bunsen burners, and paper notebooks.
Today, the digitization and automation of the modern
biopharmaceutical laboratory is enabling the discovery and
development of new, complex modalities for innovative
drug therapies. Simultaneously, AI technologies, such
as machine learning, generative AI, and large language
models are helping scientists rapidly search large, complex
datasets, analyze and visualize selected data, and create
experiments—simply by asking.
Deploying, maintaining, and extending these technologies
throughout the lab requires agile IT. The Sapio Laboratory
Informatics Platform incorporates features such as built-in AI,
no-code configuration, open APIs/webhooks, unified multimodal
data, agile workflows, and more. These features enable the
platform to adapt and respond as needed to keep pace with
the rapidly evolving technologies in biopharmaceutical R&D
labs and accelerate the discovery of new, innovative drugs.
Learn More
Brought to you by

Download the Whitepaper for FREE Now!
Information you provide will be shared with the sponsors for this content. Technology Networks or its sponsors may contact you to offer you content or products based on your interest in this topic. You may opt-out at any time.
Experiencing issues viewing the form? Click here to access an alternate version