Closing the Gap Between LIMS Capabilities and QC Microbiology Needs

Organizations often overestimate the ability of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to efficiently manage the complexities and sample volumes for a QC Microbiology operation. LIMS solutions can fail to accommodate technology advancements and regulatory changes; at least not without significant time, effort and money.

Spotlight

NES Healthcare UK

NES Healthcare has been established for over 25 years. We are the UK’s largest provider of Medical Officers to the Independent Healthcare Sector (private hospitals). We employ over 200 doctors from all over the world, and we currently work with over 100 hospitals and clinics to provide the highest level of patient care. In addition to the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) position, we offer a number of Specialist positions which offer good salaries and opportunities for a better work/life balance.

OTHER ARTICLES
MedTech

Biotech in 2022

Article | July 11, 2022

The robust global channel of more than, 800 gene and cell curatives presently in trials will produce clinical readouts in 2022, revealing what lies ahead for advanced curatives. The impact will be felt in 2022, no matter how you slice it. Eventually, how well industry and non-supervisory bodies unite to produce new frameworks for advanced therapies will shape the year 2022 and further. Pacific Northwest talent will continue to contribute to the advancement of gene and cell curatives in both the short and long term, thanks to its deep pool of ground-breaking scientific developers, entrepreneurial directorial leadership, largely skilled translational scientists, and endured bio manufacturing technicians. We may see continued on-life science fund withdrawal from biotech in 2021, but this can be anticipated as a strong comeback in 2022 by biotech industry, backed by deep-pocketed life science investors who are committed to this sector. A similar investment, combined with pharma's cash-heavy coffers, can result in increased junction and acquisition activity, which will be a challenge for some but an occasion for others. Over the last five years, investment interest in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest has grown exponentially, from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Oregon. The region's explosive portfolio of new biotech companies, innovated out of academic centres, demonstrates the region's growing recognition of scientific invention. This created a belief that continued, especially because Seattle's start-ups and biotech enterprises are delivering on their pledge of clinical and patient impact. Talent and staffing will continue to be difficult to find. It's a CEO's market, but many of these funds' return, and are not rising in proportion to the exorbitant prices they're paying to enter deals. This schism has become particularly pronounced in 2021. Hence, everyone in biotech is concerned about reclamation and retention.

Read More
MedTech

2 Small-Cap Biotech Stocks You Haven't Heard of, But Should Know About

Article | July 20, 2022

With everything that's going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare companies have grabbed plenty of spotlight during these challenging times. At the same time, a number of otherwise promising businesses have slipped under the radar. That's especially true for small-cap biotech stocks that aren't actively involved in developing tests, vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. Vaccine developers, protective equipment producers, and healthcare service providers are all attracting plenty of attention during this pandemic, but there are just as many promising biotech stocks that aren't involved in these areas. Here are two such companies that you might have missed, but they deserve a spot on your watch list.

Read More
MedTech

How to Choose a Reliable Biotech Clinical Trial Management System?

Article | July 16, 2022

Introduction The medical and life-science industries are experiencing a robust transformation with the increasing prevalence of various types of diseases, including infectious diseases, chronic disorders, and acute conditions around the world. As a result, a significant rise in demand for more effective therapeutic drugs and bionics is being witnessed, leading to a swift increase in the number of clinical trials. For a successful trial, it is important for biotech companies to ensure the data submitted to regulatory bodies regarding clinical trials is accurate, reliable, and definitive from an ethical point of view. A reliable clinical trial management system plays a vital role in collecting, monitoring, and managing clinical data. The availability of high-quality clinical data also helps clinical research institutions make efficient treatment decisions and provide proper patient care. Hence, a number of biotech companies and research organizations are focusing on leveraging innovative clinical trial management solutions to handle a large amount of data, particularly in multi-center trials, and generate reliable, high-quality, and statistically sound data from clinical trials. However, selecting the most appropriate and reliable clinical trial management system is vital for the clinical trial's success. Let's see some of the steps that will assist these firms in choosing the right CTMS. Key Steps for Selecting Right Biotech Clinical Trial Management System Prioritize Study Needs Considering and prioritizing study needs is a crucial step in choosing the most reliable clinical trial management system for biotech companies. Prioritizing helps them to identify a solution that improves the study's quality and removes uncertainty for researchers when faced with difficult choices. Hence, biotech and life-science organizations should choose a clinical trial system that is simple to use, well-organized, and suitably designed to minimize the number of clicks required to complete a task. Select CTMS with Multiple Integrations Integrated clinical trial management systems provide the best value for the companies’ funds as they guarantee the smooth functioning of research protocols. In addition, integrations are necessary to fully understand the importance and advantages of clinical trial management software for ensuring smooth transitions between site management and data collection. Biotech and clinical research should look for CTMS platforms that can integrate with electronic medical record (EMR) platforms and clinical research process content (CRPC) billing grids. This will allow them to use the same billing designations and ensure compliance while minimizing the need for duplicate processes. Ensure System Compliance and Security Clinical research organizations need to adhere to a plethora of complex regulations in order to ensure compliance with one of the most challenging environments of principles, which is information security and privacy. Security and system compliance are vital aspects of choosing the right CTMS solutions for biotech firms as they assist in building trust and form a part of the system’s duties. While selecting CTMS systems, it is essential for companies engaged in clinical research to ensure that these platforms are able to configure both, group and individual permissions, along with having a data backup and recovery plan for hosted systems. This will allow companies to assess the privacy and security implications of research and anticipate complications that may arise in each phase of the project. Assess the Scalability Choosing a scalable CTMS that can accommodate various types of fluctuations and expansions enables biotech and clinical firms to quickly adapt to fast-changing trends and demand spikes while reducing maintenance costs and enhancing user agility. As scalability also means secure and expanded data storage, these businesses should instead use SaaS solutions than manually manage an ever-growing collection of hard drives. The right CTMS ensures accommodating the firm’s availability requirements without incurring the capital costs associated with expanding a physical infrastructure. The Closing Thought A well-executed and successful clinical trial involves multiple stages and processes. Several quality controls and stringent adherence to regulations are essential for the steps, along with efficient cross-departmental processes and procedures. Incorporating the right CTMS paves the way for paperless data collection, regulatory filing, and fiscal management tools for biotech researchers and administrative personnel.

Read More
MedTech

Immunology: A New Frontier in Medical Science

Article | July 16, 2022

Introduction Recent developments in the bioengineering of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized the treatment of numerous rheumatic and immunological disorders. Currently, several immunological disorders are successfully being targeted and treated using innovative medical techniques such as immunotherapy. Leading companies are increasingly investing in research activities to expand the usage and application of immunology for the treatment of various infectious diseases, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disorders, lupus, and psoriasis, leading companies are increasingly investing in research activities. Today, the efforts of researchers in immunology, with a long history of study and research, have borne fruit, as bioengineered mAbs are now being employed in clinical practices. Accelerating Investments: Paving the Way for Immunology The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases, cancer, and immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs) is raising the need for more precise classification and an in-depth understanding of the pathology underlying these ailments. Numerous leaders in the biotechnology domain are thus focusing on undertaking numerous strategies, such as new facility launches and collaborations, to address the need by finding deeper inroads into immunology and its use in disease treatments. For instance, in 2022, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced the launch of a visionary research and innovation hub, the James P. Allison Institute, to find new roads in immunotherapy, develop new treatments, and foster groundbreaking science. These developments will result in better diagnosis through the use of selective biomarkers, and early detection of fatal diseases and their treatment, which will prevent complications from happening. Also, the identification of high-risk populations through a deeper understanding of genetic and environmental factors can assist in the prevention of disease through immunotherapy. The Way Forward Immunology has led to the development of biotechnology, making it possible to develop novel drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnostic tests, that can be used to prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of autoimmune, infectious, and cancerous diseases. With the rapid advancement in technology and the integration of artificial intelligence, immunology is finding its way into an array of domains and industries, encompassing several research areas including medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and space. Today, not only researchers but also leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies have recognized that conventional therapies with pharmaceutical and chemical products are being replaced by products derived from immunology. This is because they work well for health problems, are environmentally friendly, and are also emerging as a wealth-generating business in the medical field.

Read More

Spotlight

NES Healthcare UK

NES Healthcare has been established for over 25 years. We are the UK’s largest provider of Medical Officers to the Independent Healthcare Sector (private hospitals). We employ over 200 doctors from all over the world, and we currently work with over 100 hospitals and clinics to provide the highest level of patient care. In addition to the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) position, we offer a number of Specialist positions which offer good salaries and opportunities for a better work/life balance.

Related News

Severity of COVID-19 May Depend on Your Individual Genetic Variation in Immune System

SciTechDaily | April 19, 2020

Genetic variability in the human immune system may affect susceptibility to, and severity of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The research is published on April 17, 2020, in the Journal of Virology, a publication of the American Society for Microbiology. Individual genetic variation may explain differences in the strength of immune responses. Certain immune system genes, called human leukocyte antigen genes that are involved in recognizing pathogens, vary from person to person. Variations can influence how well the immune system recognizes a given pathogen. Poor recognition of SARS-CoV-2 could cause a person to be more vulnerable to the virus. “In particular, understanding how variation in HLA [a component of the immune system containing multiple genes] may affect the course of COVID-19 could help identify individuals at higher risk from the disease,” according to the authors of the new study.

Read More

Biotech stocks surge as people are hungry for good news on the coronavirus

cnbc | April 17, 2020

Biotech stocks surged Friday after new details on a closely watched clinical trial lifted hopes that scientists may be close to a treatment for the coronavirus, which continues to maintain its foothold across the globe after emerging a little over three months ago.The IBB, an ETF that tracks biotech’s biggest players, was up more than 2% Friday after health-care publication STAT News revealed early impressions from one of Gilead Sciences’ clinical trials for antiviral drug remdesivir. The University of Chicago found that patients with Covid-19 had “rapid recoveries in fever and respiratory symptoms” and were discharged in less than a week, according to STAT. News that biotech firm Moderna received $483 million in federal funds for its vaccine development also boosted the sector higher.

Read More

Selected Notes From Wall Street Analysts On Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (APDN)

US Post News | April 16, 2020

On Wednesday, shares of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:APDN) marked $5.76 per share versus a previous $4.55 closing price. With having a 26.59% gain, an insight into the fundamental values of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., investors would also find a great ally in the technical patterns of the stock movements showed in stock charts. APDN showed a rise of 37.47% within its YTD performance, with highs and lows between $2.52 – $33.60 during the period of 52 weeks, compared to the simple moving average of -26.60% in the period of the last 200 days. Maxim Group equity researchers changed the status of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: APDN) shares to a “Buy” rating in the report published on November 14th, 2016. Other analysts, including Maxim Group, also published their reports on APDN shares. Maxim Group repeated the rating from the previous report, marking APDN under “Buy” rating, in the report published on May 13th, 2016. Additionally, APDN shares got another “Buy” rating from Maxim Group, setting a target price of $13 on the company’s shares, according to the report published in October 8th, 2015.

Read More

Severity of COVID-19 May Depend on Your Individual Genetic Variation in Immune System

SciTechDaily | April 19, 2020

Genetic variability in the human immune system may affect susceptibility to, and severity of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The research is published on April 17, 2020, in the Journal of Virology, a publication of the American Society for Microbiology. Individual genetic variation may explain differences in the strength of immune responses. Certain immune system genes, called human leukocyte antigen genes that are involved in recognizing pathogens, vary from person to person. Variations can influence how well the immune system recognizes a given pathogen. Poor recognition of SARS-CoV-2 could cause a person to be more vulnerable to the virus. “In particular, understanding how variation in HLA [a component of the immune system containing multiple genes] may affect the course of COVID-19 could help identify individuals at higher risk from the disease,” according to the authors of the new study.

Read More

Biotech stocks surge as people are hungry for good news on the coronavirus

cnbc | April 17, 2020

Biotech stocks surged Friday after new details on a closely watched clinical trial lifted hopes that scientists may be close to a treatment for the coronavirus, which continues to maintain its foothold across the globe after emerging a little over three months ago.The IBB, an ETF that tracks biotech’s biggest players, was up more than 2% Friday after health-care publication STAT News revealed early impressions from one of Gilead Sciences’ clinical trials for antiviral drug remdesivir. The University of Chicago found that patients with Covid-19 had “rapid recoveries in fever and respiratory symptoms” and were discharged in less than a week, according to STAT. News that biotech firm Moderna received $483 million in federal funds for its vaccine development also boosted the sector higher.

Read More

Selected Notes From Wall Street Analysts On Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (APDN)

US Post News | April 16, 2020

On Wednesday, shares of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:APDN) marked $5.76 per share versus a previous $4.55 closing price. With having a 26.59% gain, an insight into the fundamental values of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., investors would also find a great ally in the technical patterns of the stock movements showed in stock charts. APDN showed a rise of 37.47% within its YTD performance, with highs and lows between $2.52 – $33.60 during the period of 52 weeks, compared to the simple moving average of -26.60% in the period of the last 200 days. Maxim Group equity researchers changed the status of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: APDN) shares to a “Buy” rating in the report published on November 14th, 2016. Other analysts, including Maxim Group, also published their reports on APDN shares. Maxim Group repeated the rating from the previous report, marking APDN under “Buy” rating, in the report published on May 13th, 2016. Additionally, APDN shares got another “Buy” rating from Maxim Group, setting a target price of $13 on the company’s shares, according to the report published in October 8th, 2015.

Read More

Events