LIMSource News: What's New in June 2009

• LIMS/Laboratory Informatics LinkedIn Group Hits a Membership Milestone

• Ethosoft Releases X-LIMS version 3.5

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Delivers Enterprise-Wide Connectivity with Integration Manager

• Agilent Technologies’ Enterprise Content Management System Now Supports Dionex Chromeleon Chromatography Software

• Microsoft Signs Agreement With Merck & Co. Inc. to Acquire Assets of Rosetta Biosoftware, Strengthening Position in Life Sciences Industry

• Symyx Notebook 6.2 Adds Synthetic Chemistry to Existing Analytical Chemistry Research and Biology Capabilities

• EPA Region 2 Selects Promium LIMS to Improve Productivity

• Accelerated Technology Laboratories, Inc. Joins Microsoft in BioIT Alliance

• Agilent Technologies’ New Version of Kalabie Electronic Lab Notebook Expedites Decisions, Helps Users Manage Workflows and Collaborate

• Accelerated Technology Laboratories and Hach Company Announce Joint Marketing and Technology Partnership

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces New Mass Spectrometry Systems, Software and Workflow Solutions at ASMS 2009

• Waters Conquers Mass Spectrometry Application Challenges with Eight New MassLynx Workflow Solutions

• Pittcon 2010 Announces Call for Papers, August 14, 2009 Deadline

• Atrium Research Announces the Fourth Edition of Electronic Laboratory Notebooks Report

• Vernalis Installs IDBS ELN for Chemistry Data Management

• Agilent Technologies Builds On 30 Percent LC/MS Growth in Q2 with New Ultra-High-Def Q-TOF, Next Gen ICP-MS and Higher Performance Triple Quad LC/MS

• ABB’s Expert Optimizer Increases Nordkalk’s Production by 9%

• ABB Electrical and Automation Solution to Help Double Capacity for Cement Mills in Egypt

• Agilent Technologies Promotes Nitin Sood to General Manager of Automation Solutions

• Deacom President Jay Deakins Named American Business Awards Finalist

• EC Reverses Course on Directive on GMPs for Drug Excipients

• China Outlines Regulatory Procedures for Drug Marketing Approval

• European Pilot Program to Track Drug Supply Chain

• EC Outlines Inspection Procedures for GCPs at Research Sites

• American Mammographics' Failure to Implement GMPs Results in Warning Letter

• FDA's Drug Import Safety Standards Should Be Shared Responsibility

LIMS/Laboratory Informatics LinkedIn Group Hits a Membership Milestone

The LIMS/Laboratory Informatics LinkedIn Group has gone past the 1700 mark in its membership and is quickly heading toward 1700 members with membership jumping by several hundred just in the past few months, meaning that it should not be long before it hits the 2000 member mark. It is the oldest and largest group in the on-line professional networking tool, LinkedIn, that deals with LIMS and/or Laboratory Informatics. This group continues to be active with industry-focused discussions, news items and job postings. As online social networking grows, this group continues to take on new issues within the industry. It continues to be a leader in getting people networking throughout our industry, and it is spurring some people to meet in-person within their geographic areas, as well. It has become not just a place to post discussions and share expertise, but to find out about events that will take place, to look for a job, and to meet the people that can help make all our projects more successful. It is free to join LinkedIn and LinkedIn members can directly request membership to this group by clicking on this link: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/36640/6A50095E87BA

For those of you that hesitate to join groups such as this, wondering whether it will be yet another area full of advertising and spam, please be aware that direct advertising is not allowed in this group nor or other posts that would qualify as "spam" and that would disrupt the main goal of sharing information and discussing issues. As such, this group is quite focused on business, and the group administrator takes complaints quite seriously. If you have more questions, contact the group administrator, Gloria Metrick of GeoMetrick Enterprises, at: Gloria@GeoMetrick.com

Ethosoft Releases X-LIMS version 3.5

In keeping with Ethosoft’s philosophy of providing cost-effective, comprehensive, and scalable Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Ethosoft has announced the release of X-LIMS version 3.5. With version 3.5, X-LIMS offers several major enhancements including improved traceability for inventory control, more methods for results data entry, and compliance with several new regulatory reporting formats for Environmental and Municipal Laboratories. These new features, in conjunction with enhanced existing functionality, leverage the latest Microsoft .NET platform. X-LIMS v3.5 is compatible with the either 32 bit or 64 bit Microsoft technologies, including Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and Office 2007. Ethosoft offers laboratories comprehensive LIMS solutions that are within budget and on time while providing customers with expert service and support. For
details, visit http://www.ethosoft.com.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Delivers Enterprise-Wide Connectivity with Integration Manager

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has introduced Integration Manager - a flexible, powerful data transformation tool for automated data acquisition and point-to-point data distribution across the enterprise. Integration Manager provides connectivity to all parts of the laboratory workflow and translates the data generated by any of the instruments, services or third-party enterprise applications that may be used in an organization. This integration tool is another example of the Thermo Scientific Connects solution set that helps streamline and improve the transfer of knowledge between laboratory-generated data and enterprise-level information systems. Most laboratories utilize many different types of instruments that generate data locally. This approach requires human intervention to access data from each of the instruments individually before preparing a report that makes use of the collected data. Data collection is most often completed through re-keying of report data, where human error can result due to time-consuming transcription of data. With Integration Manager, data are collected electronically and stored in a central database, regardless of the individual report formats required for each instrument. Integration Manager acts as a translator of all the individual languages of the various data sources, accepting and delivering data in the format appropriate to each intended recipient. Organizations save time in preparation of manual reporting, save costs in personnel time and eliminate potential errors created during manual processes. In addition, Integration Manager is built on open standards architecture that is highly configurable for the specific needs of each enterprise. Overall, enterprise-wide connectivity yields a greatly enriched user experience that allows individuals and organizations to not only manage and capture their data more efficiently and securely, but also to simplify their daily workflow and communicate more effectively. At a higher level, enterprise connectivity allows management to make decisions based on current data and aggregated information from the entire operation. For details, visit http://www.thermo.com/informatics.

Agilent Technologies’ Enterprise Content Management System Now Supports Dionex Chromeleon Chromatography Software

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced that its OpenLAB Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system now supports the archiving of data generated by Dionex Corp.’s Chromeleon 6.8 chromatography software. This demonstrates Agilent’s continued commitment to open systems, resulting in broader customer choice. "Chromatography software such as Chromeleon stores data in databases rather than flat files, and this presents challenges for centralized archives,” said Linda Doherty, Agilent marketing manager, Software and Laboratory Informatics. “These databases must be compressed to be easily stored, but in that format they cannot be viewed, indexed or searched. We’ve solved this problem by developing an interface between Chromeleon and OpenLAB ECM.” "Chromeleon’s rich user interface offers the best way to look at data previously generated by standalone Chromeleon,” said Andreas Brunner, Dionex product manager, chromatography software. “ However, some users prefer to have a central repository for all their data generated in the laboratory and one common user interface to look at all data created by different software packages. The new interface allows storing and reviewing the main aspects of the chromatographic data in OpenLAB ECM in a way that’s consistent with other data.” OpenLAB ECM is a central repository that now allows customers to query archived Chromeleon data with user-defined criteria that include locked and/or signed sequences or sequences older than a specified time period. When stored in OpenLAB ECM, the data can be indexed, searched and reviewed without a complex restore procedure. This saves customers a great deal of time, increases the useful life of the data and reduces implementation and training costs. OpenLAB ECM features a familiar, Web-based user interface, and customers can schedule automatic data transfers from Chromeleon to OpenLAB ECM. Customers can define which data is uploaded based on a set of criteria, and data can upload either immediately upon creation, after a specified time interval or each time it is modified. Agilent OpenLAB ECM is a secure, central data repository enabling customers to easily create, manage, collaborate, archive and re-use a wide variety of business-critical information. This includes raw data and documents of any data in any form, including data from analytical instruments and measurement devices. Modular architecture enables OpenLAB ECM to grow as labs’ needs change. For details, visit http://www.agilent.com/chem/software.

Microsoft Signs Agreement With Merck & Co. Inc. to Acquire Assets of Rosetta Biosoftware, Strengthening Position in Life Sciences Industry

Microsoft Corp. has signed an agreement with Merck & Co. Inc. to acquire certain assets of Rosetta Biosoftware, a business unit of Rosetta Inpharmatics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co. Inc. The deal allows Microsoft to incorporate genetic, genomic, metabolomic and proteomics data management software into the Microsoft Amalga Life Sciences platform for enhanced translational research capabilities. In addition, Microsoft will establish a strategic relationship with Merck to enhance the Amalga Life Sciences platform to meet emerging pharmaceutical research needs. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will become a customer of the Microsoft Amalga Life Sciences 2009 platform and also will provide strategic input to Microsoft on the direction and evolution of new solutions incorporating Rosetta Biosoftware technologies. The software platform will help drive improvements in Merck’s already advanced research capabilities. "This agreement establishes a stable and sustainable platform for the Rosetta Biosoftware technology. In addition, we look forward to collaborating with Microsoft to develop new bioinformatic solutions to enable and expedite drug discovery and development,” said Rupert Vessey, vice president, Merck Research Laboratories. “This is part of our previously announced strategy designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our Basic Research operations to ensure long-term pipeline productivity.” "We’re excited to collaborate with Merck and augment the capabilities of Amalga Life Sciences with the complementary assets of Rosetta Biosoftware,” said Peter Neupert, corporate vice president, Health Solutions Group, Microsoft. “The newly combined offering will enable customers to improve the management and analysis of genomic, biological and research data, helping to bring lifesaving drugs and therapies to market faster and accelerate the realization of personalized medicine.”
Introduced in April 2009, Microsoft Amalga Life Sciences is a new software platform designed to transform health and life sciences research data into the critical knowledge needed for the discovery of new treatments. The platform helps organizations across the life sciences spectrum accelerate research and discovery efforts by automating the management and analysis of massive, heterogeneous research data. This gives scientists and researchers the opportunity to redesign, manage and control research processes to increase productivity, reduce errors and improve decision-making. The deal is expected to close at the end of June 2009, and the new Amalga Life Sciences platform incorporating Rosetta Biosoftware technologies is slated to be available in early 2010. Microsoft is pursuing hiring Rosetta Biosoftware employees who can fill roles that are critical to the effective incorporation of Rosetta Biosoftware technologies into the Amalga Life Sciences platform. Until the deal is closed, Rosetta Biosoftware will continue to operate as a business unit of Rosetta Inpharmatics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck. For details, visit http://www.microsoft.com.

Symyx Notebook 6.2 Adds Synthetic Chemistry to Existing Analytical Chemistry Research and Biology Capabilities

Symyx Technologies, Inc. has announced the release of Symyx Notebook 6.2. This enterprise ELN supplements existing functionality for analytical chemistry research and biology with new capabilities supporting synthetic and medicinal chemistry investigations by adding industry-leading Symyx chemical representation, chemical reaction, and compound registration capabilities. The Symyx chemistry engine powers the well known ISIS scientific information platform that underlies many chemistry registration, inventory, and other systems used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In addition, Symyx Notebook 6.2 adds essential chemistry information enabling scientists to access current chemical sourcing, molecular property, synthetic methodology, bioactivity, and toxicology information from Symyx and participating content providers in the context of laboratory workflows. With Symyx Notebook 6.2, scientists can rapidly design and share single and multi-step synthesis plans. For example, scientists designing reaction steps can handle stoichiometry calculations more efficiently by easily accessing Symyx Available Chemicals Directory to look up key properties like molecular formula, molecular weight, density, and purity. Scientists can then use the Symyx Registration service to register purchased or synthesized compounds in a corporate registry. Finally, scientists can leverage powerful Symyx Isentris capabilities to explore Notebook-captured reaction information together with Symyx reaction content for improved synthesis speed and success. Isentris enables scientists to combine Notebook-captured and Symyx-provided molecule and reaction information for use in retro-synthetic synthesis planning. Symyx synthesis databases accelerate successful synthesis planning by providing access to over 6 million publically available reactions. For details, visit http://www.symyx.com/elnsynthesis.

EPA Region 2 Selects Promium LIMS to Improve Productivity

Promium, LLChas announced that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 testing laboratory has selected the company’s Element DataSystem LIMS to help improve productivity and strengthen quality management. Region 2 becomes the seventh EPA regional laboratory to select Element. As one of ten EPA regional labs, EPA Region 2 covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven federally-recognized Indian Nations. Region 2 conducted an extensive public review of laboratory information management systems before selecting Element. The implementation of a new LIMS is part of an ongoing effort to improve the efficiency of the EPA laboratories. Six other Regional EPA labs including Region 3, Region 4, Region 5, Region 6, Region 8, and Region 9 also use Element DataSystem. "We are gratified that the Element DataSystem LIMS is in the forefront of efforts to improve productivity and meet compliance requirements for the EPA,” said Scot Cocanour, Promium CEO. “The EPA has really been a leader in using LIMS technology to become more efficient, improve access to data and strengthen quality management. Element was chosen because it eliminates manual data entry, automates record keeping and sample processing, and addresses the strong reporting needs of the EPA. These are also critical factors enabling EPA laboratories to respond more effectively to environmental threats and safety issues.” In addition to EPA regional labs, Element DataSystem is also installed at the EPA National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC). The NEIC, used by regional labs as back up for criminal enforcement cases, is the only environmental forensic center accredited for environmental data measurement activities. The Center conducts complex criminal and civil enforcement investigations and applied research and development to support science for enforcement. Element has also been implemented by the EPA Emergency Response Service Center, and Promium participated in the EPA mobile laboratory pilot program funded through the Department of Homeland Security. For details, visit http://www.promium.com.

Accelerated Technology Laboratories, Inc. Joins Microsoft in BioIT Alliance

Accelerated Technology Laboratories, Inc. (ATL), a leading supplier of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and laboratory automation, has joined the Microsoft BioIT Alliance. The Microsoft BioIT Alliance brings together pharmaceutical, biotechnology, hardware and software industries to explore new ways to share complex biomedical data and collaborate among multi-disciplinary teams to expedite discovery in the life sciences. The Alliance also allows members to identify new technologies to overcome the challenges faced by life science companies like data integration, collaboration, and knowledge management that cannot be solved by any organization alone. "ATL is excited to be a part of the BioIT Alliance. The opportunity to collaborate with other innovative biotechnology and high technology companies towards the common goal of improving the quality of life for people around the world is definitely something we want to be part of", said Dr. Christine Paszko, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, for ATL. An example of ATL's growth in the biotechnology sector is the recent announcement that ATL has entered into a partnership with the David H. Murdock Research Institute (DHMRI) to provide its Sample Master Pro LIMS throughout its facilities at the North Carolina Research Campus. Sample Master Pro LIMS has been selected as the exclusive LIMS provider for DHMRI to support all laboratories including Genomics, Metabolomics, Proteomics, Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy and NMR. Sample Master Pro LIMS will be used not only to manage data but to facilitate discovery by allowing the integration of data generated from separate core laboratories. For details, visit http://www.atlab.com or http://www.bioitalliance.org.

Agilent Technologies’ New Version of Kalabie Electronic Lab Notebook Expedites Decisions, Helps Users Manage Workflows and Collaborate

Agilent Technologies Inc. has introduced a major upgrade to its electronic lab notebook (ELN). Kalabie ELN version 4.0 contains new functions to expedite decision-making, manage analytical requests and increase collaboration between colleagues. "Our customers place a high value on tightly integrating instrument data systems with ELN functionality,” observes Tony Owen, Agilent director of Software and Services Marketing. “While the instrument side of Agilent helps them generate more and better data, our lab informatics side of the business streamlines the documentation and management of that data. The biggest productivity, efficiency and accuracy gains are achieved by addressing both sides of the equation.” Kalabie 4.0 contains a new Smart Import function, enabling users to automatically import data from a wide range of chromatography data systems (CDS), including Agilent’s ChemStation and any ACAML/ANiML-based CDS. Kalabie 4.0 is also compatible with Agilent OpenLAB Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system for additional calculations such as correction factors or purity determination. This is designed to help analysts make faster and better decisions, reducing time between experiment and final result. Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS) have become an important addition to ELN functionality, helping users manage the increasing number of files and file types. The integration of Kalabie ELN and OpenLAB ECM enables users to access files from ECM and link to experiments to realize the benefits of secure document storage. Agilent has also added Dynamic Fields and Forms to Kalabie 4.0. This capability enables users to create templates for entering data into each experiment, and data can be re-used across protocols and experiments. A very powerful QuickSearch function quickly retrieves results, procedures and experimental details. In addition, Agilent’s Kalabie ELN 4.0 contains powerful features to facilitate workflow between groups. The Analytical Request Workflow manages electronic requests for analyses; scientists can check the request queue, assign work or fulfill a request. They can look-up experimental details and quickly upload results for review. The result is increased lab efficiency by reducing the paperwork burden while optimizing workloads. Kalabie ELN is a Web-based scalable, integrated system to manage experiments and results that is designed for multiple disciplines including analytical chemistry, synthetic/medicinal chemistry, biology and other research environments. It is compatible with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements and is built around an open architecture. For details, visit http://www.chem.agilent.com.

Accelerated Technology Laboratories and Hach Company Announce Joint Marketing and Technology Partnership

Accelerated Technology Laboratories, Inc. (ATL) and Hach Company, a leading manufacturer of water analytical instruments, reagents and water information management software, have announced a joint marketing and technology partnership. The core elements of the partnership include Technology Integration and the Joint Marketing Agreement. Under the agreement, A TL and Hach will provide tighter integration of their respective products for easier management and sharing of critical laboratory and water system data. This collaboration includes a technology-sharing agreement on specific development projects focusing on the integration of ATL Sample Master LIMS and the Hach Water Information Management Solution (Hach WIMS) and enhanced integration of Sample Master LIMS with Hach's laboratory instruments. The companies' products complement each other and offer tremendous synergies resulting in a marketing agreement including joint seminars and webinars beginning this summer. With Hach's recent decision to discontinue support for Aspen LIMS, Hach and ATL have introduced a Hach Aspen to ATL Sample Master LIMS Migration Program. The goal of this program is to provide commercial Aspen LIMS customers with a unique and attractive migration option to ATL Sample Master's full-featured LIMS. Hach will continue to develop and support Hach Lab Cal as a laboratory automation solution for water utilities where ad hoc sample receiving work flow is not common. For details, visit http://www.atlab.com or http://www.hach.com.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Introduces New Mass Spectrometry Systems, Software and Workflow Solutions at ASMS 2009

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. launched two new breakthrough mass spectrometers at ASMS 2009, the Thermo Scientific LTQ Velos and LTQ Orbitrap Velos. The LTQ Velos features an innovative dual-pressure trap and advanced ion optics, making it the world's fastest and most sensitive linear ion trap mass spectrometer. The LTQ Orbitrap Velos combines the new Velos technology with the industry-leading Orbitrap mass analyzer and a new Higher-Energy Collisional Dissociation (HCD) cell to deliver ultra-high resolution and accurate mass data. In addition, Thermo Fisher Scientific introduced eight other mass spectrometry solutions designed to deliver better analytical performance and greater ease of use in a broad range of applications. "These new MS instruments give our customers a huge advantage in resolving the high levels of analytical complexity they find in areas like proteomics and metabolism," said Dr. Ian Jardine, vice president of global research and development for Thermo Fisher Scientific. "The outstanding data quality and sensitivity of the LTQ Velos make it ideal for analyzing complex mixtures, such as identifying low level proteins and structural elucidation of
metabolites. Similarly, the high mass accuracy of the LTQ Orbitrap Velos increases the speed and confidence of protein identification in complex samples by minimizing false positives." For details, visit http://www.thermo.com.

Waters Conquers Mass Spectrometry Application Challenges with Eight New MassLynx Workflow Solutions

Waters Corporation introduced eight new MassLynx workflow enhancements at the 57th American Society of Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, all designed to enhance laboratory productivity and expand mass spectrometry applications. "Our new MassLynx workflow enhancements integrate our technologies into market leading solutions," said Brian Smith, Vice President, Mass Spectrometry Business Operations for the Waters Division. "These software innovations realize the full potential of mass spectrometry across our entire portfolio of LC/MS and GC/MS systems. MassLynx software continuously addresses new analytical challenges, and streamlines existing ones, through advanced data interrogation capabilities and simplified workflow processes."For details, visit http://www.waters.com.

Pittcon 2010 Announces Call for Papers, August 14, 2009 Deadline

The Pittsburgh Conference has released the Call for Papers for Pittcon 2010, which will be held February 28 to March 5, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For full consideration, abstracts must be received by August 14, 2009. Abstracts may only be submitted electronically via the Technical Program link at www.pittcon.org. The Program Committee solicits abstracts of original, previously unpublished findings in all aspects of instrumental analysis including but not limited to chromatography, molecular and atomic spectroscopy, electrochemistry, mass spectrometry and lab-on-a-chip technology. The Committee also seeks abstracts addressing novel applications of measurement science in areas such as nanotechnology, biomedicine, neurochemistry, genomics, forensics, informatics and quality assurance as well as pharmaceutical, environmental, polymer and food science. The review of abstracts will be completed by September 2009. Accepted papers will be grouped according to methodology or application as appropriate. The 2010 Program Chair, Jan Pifer commented, "We strive to have a well-balanced Technical Program to cover all areas of analytical science, as well as the scientific aspects of current global issues such as sustaining energies, global warming, etc." Pifer, on behalf of the Pittcon Organizing Committee, invites all to share their research discoveries at Pittcon 2010 by submitting an abstract by the deadline. For details and to submit abstracts, visit http://www.pittcon.org.

Atrium Research Announces the Fourth Edition of Electronic Laboratory Notebooks Report

Atrium Research & Consulting LLC has announced the release of the fourth edition of the company’s report, Electronic Laboratory Notebooks: A Foundation for Scientific Knowledge Management. Containing detailed research, this comprehensive study examines the ELN market, technology, requirements, best practices, legal issues, benefits, industry trends, and products. Called the “definitive document on ELN” by Indiana University’s School of Informatics, the 734 page report includes 200 pages dedicated to reviewing the latest ELN software products from major suppliers. Nearly 700 tables and figures illustrate key points. "Despite the global economic climate, the demand for ELN continues to be strong, though at a lower rate than previous years," says Michael H Elliott, CEO of Atrium Research. "Now in their fourth generation, ELN technology is expanding rapidly beyond initial installations in synthetic chemistry into biology and analytical chemistry domains. ELN has truly become a mainstream informatics platform." The market potential for ELN is just under US$ 1.7 billion; sales of supplier products and services were approximately US$ 70 million in 2008. The effect of the global economic environment has slowed revenue growth to approximately 15% per year from over 30% in 2008. As it has with other informatics technologies, the biopharmaceutical industry is still taking the lead in ELN adoption, primarily to increase efficiency in lead optimization, process research, formulation, pharmacology, safety assessment, and analytical. Quality areas are turning to ELN to improve cycle time and reduce costs of regulatory compliance. The latest edition of this“how to” handbook on ELN includes new information on the use of ELN in real life scenarios, a step-by-step guide to requirements formulation, best practices for implementation, updated market statistics, and reviews of the latest supplier revisions. For details, visit http://www.atriumresearch.com.

Vernalis Installs IDBS ELN for Chemistry Data Management

Vernalis, an R&D-based speciality biopharmaceutical company, has purchased E-WorkBook Suite for chemistry (ChemBook) from IDBS as its corporate chemistry data management solution. Vernalis sought an application that would provide its scientists with state-of-the-art chemistry technologies, as well as offering rapid and complete access to all its chemistry and IP related data. ChemBook - a chemistry-specific extension to IDBS' enterprise class E-WorkBook Suite - incorporates IDBS' advanced chemistry technologies by offering a chemically 'aware' spreadsheet for data analysis and statistical trending. The decision to select the E-WorkBook Suite was based on the product's ability to adapt to specific workflows, achieved through configuration – as opposed to customisation - of the solution. The ELN manages multiple process workflows within and between groups. Flexible and searchable reports are generated across all data stored within the notebook, including file and spectral annotations. Jo Lerpiniere, senior informatics scientist for Vernalis, commented: 'IDBS were willing and helpful in demonstrating solutions to streamline our workflow and our aim is to replace all paper based lab notebooks with their ELN. The E-WorkBook Suite is a practical and adaptable choice of ELN that easily integrates with our workflow.' For details, visit http://www.idbs.com.

Agilent Technologies Builds On 30 Percent LC/MS Growth in Q2 with New Ultra-High-Def Q-TOF, Next Gen ICP-MS and Higher Performance Triple Quad LC/MS

Two and a half weeks after Agilent Technologies, Inc. announced that its liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) sales were up 30 percent in the second quarter of 2009 over the previous year, the company introduced the first benchtop Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) Accurate Mass Quadrupole Time of Flight (Q-TOF) LC/MS, the next generation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and a new Triple Quadrupole LC/MS delivering more sensitivity and speed than its predecessor.
“We’ve been highly focused on building a large and loyal customer base in mass spectrometry over the last five years, and it’s very gratifying to see this hard work be so well-received,” said Gustavo Salem, Agilent vice president and general manager, Biological Systems Division. “Our plan is to continue delivering the extra levels of performance, speed, robustness, and ease-of-use that are fuelling Agilent’s strong growth in MS, while continuing to offer our customers solutions with excellent value.” For details, visit http://www.agilent.com.

ABB’s Expert Optimizer Increases Nordkalk’s Production by 9%

ABB has announced the production increase figures achieved by their Expert Optimizer solution at Nordkalk Corporation’s Lohja plant in Finland. Expert Optimizer was installed on the lime kiln at the Lohja plant in November 2006; secondary commissioning took place in July 2007. Nordkalk is the leading producer of high quality limestone-based products in Northern Europe. The products are used mainly in the paper, steel and building material industries as well as in environmental care and agriculture. At Lohja, ABB Finland is responsible for the maintenance of the factory via a full service contract and they agreed with Nordkalk’s initiative to buy Expert Optimizer as a method for improving the process. The primary challenge to overcome for this project was that the coal mill had to be stopped at least twice every day. When the mill is stopped, and for a period after the mill restarts, it is not possible to get sufficient coal to the kiln. As the residence time of material in the kiln is about six hours, the kiln was never operating in stable conditions. A procedure for operating the kiln when the coal mill was stopped and being restarted was developed by pooling the extensive experience of Nordkalk’s operators and the ABB process expert. This procedure prevents the kiln from cooling too much and also reduces CO (carbon monoxide) generation. Expert Optimizer, part of ABB’s cpmPlus suite of solutions, ensures that the kiln is operated under optimum conditions according to the customer’s goals. At Lohja, the system always tries to increase production whenever kiln conditions allow. Finding the optimum operating point was difficult for the operators, as there are several sources of feed material, each with different properties. Expert Optimizer finds the best operating conditions to maximize output and minimize fuel consumption for each feed stone. Even before secondary commissioning, Expert Optimizer made an impact with the production rate of the kiln increasing by more than 5%. This improvement easily exceeds the guaranteed figures. Now, two years later, the production increase stands at 9% and shows how the customer has received particular value from collaboration with different ABB units, in this case, ABB Switzerland’s Collaborative Production Management and ABB Finland’s Performance Services. For details, visit http://www.abb.com.

ABB Electrical and Automation Solution to Help Double Capacity for Cement Mills in Egypt

ABB, a leading power and automation technology group, has started delivery of electrification and automation systems ordered in 2008. ABB acts as a sub-supplier of the French company Polysius SAS; the end-user is Misr Beni Suef Cement Company (MBCC) in Giza, Egypt. The MBCC plant, located in Beni Suef, approximately 150 kilometers south of Cairo, currently produces up to 1.5 million tons of normal portland cement per year. Almost half of its annual production is exported to central European countries. Established in 1997, MBCC holds one of the top ranking positions in cement manufacturing in Egypt; its cement has been granted the certificate of the highest quality according to the European standard mark “CE”. By expanding with a second production line, which will generate an additional output of 1.5 million tons of clinker per year, MBCC is able to cover the growing market demands. For the two new cement mills, each with a capacity of 220 tons per hour, ABB is delivering complete electrification and automation solutions that will increase production and to optimize energy efficiency. The scope of supply includes System 800xA for process control and integration, all medium and low voltage power distribution systems, transformers, low and medium voltage motors and drives, as well as the electrical infrastructure, erection supervision and commissioning. By integrating the process and electrical automation system on the common 800xA platform, the customer will see additional benefits in reduced maintenance, engineering and overall lifecycle costs. ABB’s ability to deliver a complete package of electrification and automation solutions, it’s excellent relationship with Polysius and MBCC, as well as the first-class references in Egypt were key factors to win this important order last year. In 2006, ABB already received the order for electrification and automation solutions for the second clinker production line. For details, visit http://www.abb.com.

Agilent Technologies Promotes Nitin Sood to General Manager of Automation Solutions

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced it has promoted Nitin Sood to general manager of Automation Solutions, effective June 8, 2009. Sood will be responsible for leading Agilent’s automation solutions strategy, continuity in providing customized automation solutions, and identifying new customer segments and regions prime for future growth. "Under Nitin’s direction, the Automation Solutions business will continue to provide one of the biggest growth opportunities for Agilent’s life sciences business,” said Fred Strohmeier, vice president and general manager, Liquid Phase Analysis Division. “I am confident that Nitin’s proven leadership skills and technical expertise will serve our existing customers well and optimize our portfolio with innovative solutions for the automation market.” S ood previously served as general manager of Agilent’s Electrophoresis Business (capillary electrophoresis and microfluidics) in Waldbronn, Germany. He will relocate to Santa Clara, Calif., to assume his new role. During the past 18 months, Sood strengthened the footprint of this emerging business through substantial growth and improved profitability. This includes the recent successful launch of a new capillary electrophoresis platform, targeting life science applications in biopharma. Sood holds master’s degrees in computer science and molecular biology. Rob Nail, previous general manager of Agilent’s automation business, has decided to leave Agilent to pursue other opportunities but will assist with the transition over the next several months. Nail successfully led the integration of what was formerly Velocity11, acquired by Agilent in December 2007. For details, visit http://www.agilent.com.

Deacom President Jay Deakins Named American Business Awards Finalist

Jay Deakins, president of enterprise software solution provider Deacom, Inc., was named a finalist in the Executive of the Year - Computer Software category of The 2009 American Business Awards. The American Business Awards are the nation's premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit entries to the ABAs - public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. This year more than 2,600 entries from companies in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories. Deakins, who is competing in the Executive of the Year category for the computer software industry, founded Deacom in 1995, single-handedly programming and selling the DEACOM Integrated Accounting and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software System for chemical manufacturers. Today, Deacom has more than 100 installations throughout North America and a professional staff occupying 5,000 square feet of office space in Wayne, Pa. The company counted 2008 as a milestone year - despite a slowing economy, Deacom achieved nearly 75 percent growth in sales compared to 2007. "Our dedication to providing an industry-specific, fully-integrated enterprise software solution continues to fuel Deacom's success," Deakins says. "It's an honor to be recognized for that success among so many respected businesses." Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie® Award winners from among Finalists in final judging that will continue through June 3. Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April through early May. Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on Monday, June 22 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Six hundred executives from across the U.S. are expected to attend. The ceremonies will be broadcast on radio nationwide by the Business TalkRadio Network and hosted by Cheryl Casone of Fox Business Network. "Despite very tough economic conditions, many organizations and individuals continue to perform well," said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of The Stevie Awards. "The results of the 2009 ABAs thus far are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and hard work of American organizations, executives, and workers." For details, visit http://www.stevieawards.com/aba or http://www.deacom.net.

EC Reverses Course on Directive on GMPs for Drug Excipients

The European Commission’s (EC) Directorate-General for Enterprise (DG Enterprise) will not prepare a directive on good manufacturing practices (GMP) for certain excipients, a measure called for in a 2001 EC directive. The decision was made after the DG Enterprise consulted with manufacturers and users of excipients, and concluded that — compared with current policies — new requirements would not benefit patients and would increase costs. For details, visit http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/index_en.htm.

China Outlines Regulatory Procedures for Drug Marketing Approval

Drugmakers seeking approval to sell products in China must provide the country’s State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) with information including business licenses and product approval documents. Copies of the drug manufacturing certificate or drug supply certificate, stamped with the seal of enterprise and the business license, are required, the SFDA says in its Provisions for Supervision of Drug Distribution. For details, visit http://eng.sfda.gov.cn/eng.

European Pilot Program to Track Drug Supply Chain

A European pilot program designed to track drugs in the supply chain has shown that traceability is possible from packaging to retail sales. Implemented correctly, such a program can improve recall systems, better manage inventory and increase efficiency, Henri Barthel, project coordinator for the Building Radio-frequency Identification solutions for the Global Environment program, told participants at the Global GS1 Healthcare Conference. The program was a joint project of the EU and industry designed to create a complete supply-chain traceability system for pharmaceuticals to increase efficiency and improve patient safety. For details, visit http://www.fda.gov.

EC Outlines Inspection Procedures for GCPs at Research Sites

Drugmakers can expect European Commission (EC) inspections of research site good clinical practices (GCPs) to take about 30 days, with preliminary activities and report preparation adding about three months to the process. The note appears in a guidance the EC issued in June on how to improve coordination of GCP inspections for clinical trials conducted in EU or European Economic Area (EEA) countries and for studies conducted in other countries on drugs that will be marketed in the EU or EEA. For details, visit http://www.fda.gov.

American Mammographics' Failure to Implement GMPs Results in Warning Letter

The FDA considers American Mammographics’ devices adulterated and misbranded because it failed to establish several GMPs, according to a warning letter. During an inspection of the company’s Tennessee plant in September 2008, an FDA investigator found the company did not have procedures for design control, document control, quality audits, medical device reporting and verification of design changes. The FDA asked the company to have an outside consultant conduct a quality audit of its manufacturing and quality assurance system. For details, visit http://www.fda.gov.

FDA's Drug Import Safety Standards Should Be Shared Responsibility

The FDA is working with other countries to build a multilayered system of oversight to spot potential risks in the drug supply chain, such as the heparin contamination, and is stepping up import field inspections to increase supply-chain scrutiny. The agency plans to more than double the number of import field examinations for drugs in 2010, significantly increasing its surveillance of products at U.S. ports of entry. The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research is planning a Supply Chain Security pilot program in which importers obtain voluntary certifications for expedited product entry, but it is waiting for Office of Management and Budget approval to start the program. For details, visit http://www.fda.gov.

What's New - Right Now The following is a wrap-up of news of interest during the month of June 2009

What's New - Right Now
The following is a wrap-up of news of interest during the month of June 2009