Lims in the Pharmaceuticals R&d Race

LIMS in the Pharmaceuticals R&D Race

The first generation of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) in the pharmaceutical industry were based on minicomputer or mainframe systems, using in-house databases.

In the race to discover new drugs and pharmaceutical products, the challenge isn't who can work more; it's who can work smarter. Pharmaceutical companies need to conduct targeted and detailed studies at lightning speed. LIMS automates and streamlines the laboratory experimental process, experimental reporting, and laboratory management – enabling intense, focused investigations to take place. A robust LIMS software solution should create a strong environment for drug discovery and biotechnology research. A sophisticated LIMS can be integrated easily with various public and private databases, third-party software tools and laboratory equipment, aggregating data into a cohesive format for analysis and interpretation. By bringing this information together and combining it with results of previous research, LIMS creates a virtual discovery platform. These capabilities allow labs to efficiently manage the research, development and manufacturing processes while also managing the associated regulatory requirements.

LIMS Analysis Overview

LIMS manages the data flow within an organization and centralizes the data into one primary database. LIMS solutions, especially those integrated with Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS), should unify large volumes of biological and chemical information into a single browser-based interface. This data can then be made available electronically to people and systems that require it. LIMS thus becomes a comprehensive solution that enables pharmaceutical research organizations to focus time and effort on production of scientific information, valuable in developing new drug formulations ahead of the competition.

LIMS and Drug Research

All pharmaceutical data available within the LIMS database can be easily retrieved. Having all the drug research data in one location reduces the amount of time and effort required to extract historical data and to produce reports on current work. The ultimate benefit of a fully integrated LIMS in pharmaceutical research is in allowing valuable resources to be used where they are most needed—the scientist researching and developing new pharmaceutical products.

Using LIMS significantly accelerates laboratory analysis and turn-around times, reducing drug development costs associated with laboratory based research and development. As an integrated solution, it can substantially improve the performance of the whole research organization.

Pharmaceutical LIMS & Quality Control

The pharmaceutical industry keeps a tight grip on quality control throughout the manufacturing process. While there are over a hundred LIMS companies, only a handful operate internationally and only a few that can operate successfully in the pharmaceuticals market. LIMS is vital in providing these companies with the information management tools they need to give themselves a competitive advantage in today's pharmaceutical market.