Efficient sample management is essential for advancing research and development. However, logistical hurdles like annotation, storage and cold chain integrity can slow progress and compromise results.
This collection of case studies highlights how innovative approaches to sample management can ensure seamless workflows and safeguard sample quality. Discover proven strategies that enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays and protect sample integrity throughout the storage, transport and analysis processes.
Download this eBook to discover:
- Streamlined workflows that accelerate clinical outcomes and reduce delays
- Proven methods for ensuring sample integrity across storage and transport
- Real-world examples of automated solutions driving operational excellence
FROM DISCOVERY THROUGH
Supporting customers
across the sample
management spectrum
DRUG DEVELOPMENT
PEACE
OF MIND
Partnering with a leader in sample exploration and management allows you to
transcend the tedious parts of your projects with access to a full suite of proven
cold-chain sample management solutions and multiomic services that enable
operational efficiency, simplify workflows, and empower organizations to control labs
with confidence. This collection of case studies highlights how Azenta Life Sciences
partners with our clients to aid in every step of the sample management workflow,
so you can focus on your research and bring impactful breakthroughs and innovative
therapies to market with greater speed and precision.
COMES FROM KNOWING
YOUR PRECIOUS SAMPLES
ARE TAKEN CARE OF.
SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE SAMPLE MANAGEMENT SPECTRUM | 3
1
Planning
2
Sample
collection
3
Sample
transportation
4
Sample
annotation
5
Sample
storage
6
Pre-analytical
services
7
Sample
analysis &
multiomics
REPEAT
Analysis planning
Collection
planning
Sample
workflows
Sample
collection kit
design
Sample collection
kit production
& distribution
Storage tubes
& microplates
CryoPodTM
Mobile
repository
service
Logistics
management
Barcode
reading systems
Patient consent
annotation
Sample blinding
Cold chain data
Informatics
solutions
Automated
stores
Cryogenic storage
(manual and
automated)
Storage at Azenta
or at customer site
Sample discard
services
Sample retrieval
Automated
aliquoting
Sample
reformatting
Nucleic acid
extraction
Cell isolation and
cryopreservation
Custom processing
protocols
Biomarker
discovery
& profiling
Genomics
Transcriptomics
Epigenomics
Proteomics
Bioinformatics
Comprehensive solutions for complete confidence
SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE SAMPLE MANAGEMENT SPECTRUM | 4
1 2 3 4 6 7
5
Sample
storage
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL CASE STUDY
Impact of Quick Sample Retrieval
on Clinical Study Outcomes 1
A leading biopharmaceutical company faced logistic challenges when storing
their clinical samples long-term at central and specialty laboratories and external
biorepositories. When researchers attempted to retrieve thousands of specimens
for FDA-mandated biomarker testing for a phase 3 study that had to be submitted
within a couple of business days, they faced lengthy turnaround times of up to several
weeks. This significantly impacted the outcome of the study and potentially affected
their investigational new drug application acceptance.
THE CHALLENGE
THE SOLUTION
Azenta facilitated rapid clinical sample retrieval and shipment to the client and analyzing lab,
thus accelerating these clinical studies, and significantly increasing the speed of the drug’s
arrival to market. The integrated sample management solution provided by Azenta enables
rapid clinical sample retrieval and shipment to anywhere in the world, with retrieval time as
fast as 24-48 hours. The speed of sample logistics is complemented by our comprehensive
reporting system that provides full visibility into dates and times when samples are registered,
stored, shipped, or discarded. Azenta also offers the necessary genomics, transcriptomics,
and proteomic assays to further accelerate retrieval through data.
THE RESULTS
By adopting an integrated sample management approach
with Azenta, the client gained:
Prompt sample retrieval and delivery
Rapid study data resolution
Swift approval of therapeutics
Faster drug-to-market turnaround
SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE SAMPLE MANAGEMENT SPECTRUM | 5
1 2 3 4 5 6
7
Sample
analysis &
multiomics
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL CASE STUDY
Producing and Protecting a 2 Monoclonal Antibody Library
Researchers at a top pharmaceutical company needed to produce over twenty
monoclonal antibodies as part of their antibody discovery process. DNA constructs
had to be synthesized and expressed to generate five to six mg of human IgG protein
at high concentration while maintaining low endotoxin levels for downstream applications.
The antibodies had not been previously produced, so expected expression levels
were unknown.
THE CHALLENGE
THE SOLUTION
Azenta Life Sciences used its gene-to-antibody workflow for recombinant antibody production
to generate the samples of this library. The variable regions of the antibody DNA sequences were
synthesized and cloned into an expression vector provided by the customer. The constructs were
verified by Sanger sequencing, and maxi-scale endotoxin-free preparations of the plasmid DNA
were generated. Each antibody was transiently expressed and protein levels in the supernatant
were evaluated by biolayer interferometry (BLI) using the Octet® platform. Single-step affinity
chromatography purification was performed, and purity was assayed by SDS-PAGE. For those
working on discovery assays, Azenta also offers optional storage of antibody production sets and
can provide a protected environment to maintain sample integrity over the course of the project.
THE RESULTS
Through this optimized antibody sample process provided by
Azenta, the client achieved:
Reduced project time and cost from BLI analysis to
remove low or non-expressing samples from this
novel antibody library
Their challenging goal of low endotoxin levels
at high protein concentration for downstream
applications
A protein purity of 89% or higher for all antibodies,
exceeding the yield requirements for future work
SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE SAMPLE MANAGEMENT SPECTRUM | 6
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL CASE STUDY
3Ultra-Low Cold Chain Management
to Support a Vaccine Manufacturer
Azenta was approached by a leading global clinical and commercial
contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) to manage the
cold chain logistics for the production of a COVID-19 vaccine. Due to the
increasing need for a vaccine during the pandemic, this client faced cold
storage capacity and logistic constraints. The vaccine maker was under
intense pressure to increase production and was looking for a partner to
accelerate output during a crisis.
THE CHALLENGE
THE SOLUTION
The client partnered with Azenta for cold chain logistical support at their site and
utilized our cold storage units and experts to support their vaccine manufacturing
and storage 24/7.
The client delivered around 9 million vaccines in four months and is continuing to
roll out more with our support. Overall, our client rose to the challenge of increasing
the manufacturing of their vaccine to meet the heightened demand. The Azenta
team’s expertise in cold chain management and ability to handle the logistical
requirements during a pandemic helped make this possible.
THE RESULTS
The client was able to achieve:
Cold chain storage and management of raw materials
and finished products
Increased operational speed
Manufacturing scale-up
Uninterrupted vaccine production
1 2 3 4 6 7
5
Sample
storage
SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE SAMPLE MANAGEMENT SPECTRUM | 7
CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE GLP AAV-ITR SANGER SEQUENCING SOLUTIONS
Enhancing Sample Annotation with Quality Control Documentation 4and Product Release Through Viral Genome Sequence Confirmation
A biotechnology company needed the assistance of an established GLPvalidated workflow to confirm the integrity of highly complex samples from
viral stocks at different stages of production, including master viral stock,
working viral stocks, and final products (viral particles).
THE CHALLENGE
THE SOLUTION
Azenta provided third-party quality control checks by conducting new and repeat
testing of various sequences, including inverted terminal repeat (ITR) regions.
The client utilized our GLP-grade confirmatory workflow with proprietary AAV-ITR
sequence technology for thorough sequencing. Enabled by the sample management
infrastructure and expertise provided by Azenta, the final report, and certificate
of analysis (COA) documents of each project are then used for quality control
documentation, lot release testing, and product identity confirmation.
THE RESULTS
By partnering with Azenta for confirmatory workflow solutions, this company
has benefitted from:
Continued support of several Azenta GLP-compliant services
for their projects
Proprietary ITR sequencing technology
Faster turnaround times
Enhanced sample annotation through quality control
documentation
1 2 3 4 5 6
7
Sample
analysis &
multiomics
SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE SAMPLE MANAGEMENT SPECTRUM | 8
Rigor, Control, and Process Excellence in 5Cryogenic Biobanking from the First ISO-Accredited Biobank
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL CASE STUDY
The biggest challenge in successfully running a biobank is identifying the right tools and
technology. Our client from Cornell Veterinary Biobank, the first ISO 20387 accredited
biobank, was looking for supplies and equipment to help improve their processes, as well
as technological advances that would assist in QA and ISO standard compliance. They
were also interested in how innovative equipment and supplies can be integrated into the
collection, cryopreservation, transportation, and storage process improvements.
THE CHALLENGE
THE SOLUTION
The biobank client took advantage of automation technology for biological material storage and
retrieval from Azenta Life Sciences, which improved the client’s biological material and associated data
quality, security, cold chain integrity, and traceability.
The BioStoreTM automated LN₂ freezer eliminated personnel exposure to liquid nitrogen, as compared
to manual rack removal. Personnel safety and retention also improved because the automation system
lessens workloads and automatically fills the freezer to pre-set levels. The client’s samples are secure
due to password protection to access automation software for sample access or inventory viewing.
Complete audit trail tracking has improved the traceability of samples and the storage process.
Another important piece of Azenta equipment at the client’s location is the CryoPodTM. Once charged,
the CryoPod carrier temperature stays below the glass transition phase for at least four hours. Utilizing
the CryoPod with automation technology preserves the cold chain integrity of samples during storage
or removal. This prevents temperature excursions that could adversely affect the quality of the samples.
THE RESULTS
Automation and inventory management software improved
storage and distribution processes. Automation technology
drives biobank sustainability and adaptation to dynamic
situations such as supply chain disruptions or other
emergencies. With this equipment from Azenta Life Sciences
in place, the client benefits from the following:
Maintained temperature for 21 days without the
use of electricity for filling via the BioStore
Improved traceability which enhances QC
Accreditation to improve stakeholder
acceptance for sustainability
1 2 3 4 6 7
5
Sample
storage
Having the right tools and technology to strengthen
your sample management processes enables your team
to be safer, more efficient, and more focused on the
research that counts. From storage to analysis, retrieval,
and future processing, customers have accelerated
discovery, development, and delivery with the proven
cold-chain sample management solutions and genomics
services provided by Azenta Life Sciences.
Explore the full workflow of sample management
and automation solutions offered by Azenta,
and learn how our services and products can
be customized to support your projects.
EXPLORE SAMPLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
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