Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Life Science Reports and Courses

Main Pages

Best Selling Products

BioNewsCast Press Release Distribution Service

Vaccine Technology 2009 Conference

Veterinary Diagnostics Markets

Practical Guide to Finding Partners in Pharma & Biotech, 2nd edition

Royalty Financing Agreements in Pharma, Biotech and Diagnostics

New Products

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment

Bioinformatics Market Potential

Biotechnology in the European Union; Trends, Investing & Country Profiles

China Pharmaceutical Industry: Analysis and Market Trends

European Generic Drug Market Potential

Global Biotechnology Markets Trends

Strategic Alliances in World Pharma and Biotech Markets

Understanding China's Chemical Industry

Understanding Genomics and Global Health Impacts

Understanding Pharmacogenomics

BioPortfolio | HTStec | Automated Biobanking Trends 2008

Automated Biobanking Trends 2008

HTStec's Automated Biobanking Trends 2008 report was published on 17 November 2008. This 55 page report summarizes the results of HTStec’s industry-wide global web-based benchmarking survey on automated biobanking carried out in November 2008. The objectives were to comprehensively document changes in current interest in automated biobanking since HTStec’s previous 2006 survey, and to gain a better understanding of future market requirements for automated deep-cooled (-20oC and below) biobanks. The report is based on 54 responses. Equal emphasis was given to soliciting opinion from pharmaceutical & biotech companies; academic laboratories; and private and publicly-funded research organizations. In addition, other groups (e.g. population genomics projects), who have a necessity to store large numbers of biological samples participated. The majority of labs contacted were in North America and Europe.

Executive Summary

o This market report summarizes the results of HTStec's 2nd global web-based benchmarking survey on automated biobanking carried out in November 2008.

o The study was initiated by HTStec to meet the specific needs, interests and focus of the survey sponsors. The objectives were to comprehensively document changes in current interest in automated biobanking since the 2006 survey, and to gain a better understanding of future market requirements for automated deep-cooled (-20oC and below) biobanks.

o Equal emphasis was given to soliciting opinion from pharmaceutical & biotech companies; academic laboratories; and private and publicly-funded research organizations. In addition, other groups (e.g. population genomics projects), who have a necessity to store large numbers of biological samples were invited to participate. The majority of labs contacted were in North America and Europe.

o The survey looked at the following aspects of biobanking as practiced today (2008) and predicted for the future (2013): use of an ad hoc collection of refrigerators and/or freezers for biological sample storage; interest in automated biobanking; time frame and automated biological storage requirements; current access to an automated biological sample store; the type of biological material planned to store; the desired storage temperature (RT, +4oC to +10oC, -20oC, -80oC, Vapor Phase N2 (-150oC), Liquid Phase N2 (>-196oC)); in addition at certain key temperatures (i.e. -20oC, -80oC and Vapor Phase N2 (-150oC)) feedback on the following was obtained: the preferred storage format (containers) to be used, the maximum sample storage capacity, acceptable rise in temperature, maximum time at elevated temperature, temperature tolerance, typical sample storage times, and deposit and retrieval throughputs required; interest in modular versus excess capacity systems; functionalities needed in an automated biobank; the key drivers for automating biobanking needs; the preferred location, installation requirements and availability of services for an automated biobank; familiarity and interest in LIMS systems used for automated biobanking; requirement for an analytical/sample processing instrument to be connected to an automated biobank; budget status, reasonable cost and the price points where biobanking automation becomes financial unattractive; factors which might stand in the way of justifying the implementation of an automated system; automated biobanking store manufacturer most associated with a list of desirable characteristics/attributes; interest in receiving further information or beta-testing new automated biobanking developments.

o The survey questionnaire consisted of 28 multi-choice questions and 3 open-ended questions focused mainly on user requirements for automated storage systems. In addition, there were 7 questions related solely to survey demographics.

o The survey collected 54 responses (32 complete and 24 partially filled out) from 47 different organizations. Responses were geographically split: 50% Europe, 44% North America, 4% Rest of World and 2% Asia (Excluding Japan).

o Survey respondents were drawn from persons or groups who have recently implemented or who are considering implementing an automated deep-cooled (-20oC and below) biobanking facility.

o Respondents represented 21 Academic; 12 Pharmaceutical; 8 Publicly-Funded Research Organization; 7 Other; 2 Biotech; and 2 Privately-Funded Research Organization Labs.

o The area of work of the majority (28%) of All Respondents was Disease-Based Biobanking, this was followed by Population-Based Biobanking (22%); Other Areas (19%); Clinical Research, Clinical Trials (17%); Commercial (e.g. Life Science Supplier) (6%); Environmental (e.g. Biodiversity) (4%); Routine Clinical Diagnostics (4%); and Human Identification (e.g. Forensics) (2%).

o Most survey respondents had a senior job role or position which was in descending order: 14 Lab/Research Manager/Coordinator; 10 Director; 8 Department Head; 6 Professor/Assistant Professor; 6 Other Job Roles; 5 Section/Group Leader; 2 Principle Investigator; 1 Vice President; 1 Senior Scientist/Research Associate; and 1 Research Scientist.

o Survey results were expressed as an average of all survey respondents. In addition, the majority of the data was reanalyzed after sub-division into the following 5 survey groups: 1) Pharmaceutical & Biotech; 2) Academic Laboratories; 3) All Other Organizations; 4) Europe; and 5) North America.

o -80oC was the most commonly used freezer for ad hoc biological sample storage today.

o 70% of respondents had a foreseeable need for automated biobanking and answered questions on their future requirements. 81% of these intend to automate biological sample storage at or below -80oC over the next 5 years.

o Only 14% of respondents have access to some type of automated storage system today. Details of the systems used are given.

o The majority of respondents were mainly interested in storing biological material at -80oC. The sample types of greatest storage interest were DNA and blood - plasma/serum.

o The vessels or container respondents were most interested in using in an automated biobank were 0.75mL tubes. Of the automation friendly tube storage products available today greatest current use was made of vendor's products from Nunc and Matrix.

o The median maximum sample storage capacities (i.e. number of separate containers) needed today (2008) for storage at -20°C was <0.1million; for storage at -80°C was 0.1-0.25million; and for storage at Vapor Phase N2 was <0.1million.

o The majority of respondents preferred a modular automated biobanking system (i.e. one with lower initial investment, but higher cost per storage space).

o The median acceptable temperature rise above the storage temperature in an automated biobank was a 10°C Rise for storage at all temperatures (i.e. -20°C, -80°C, and Vapor Phase N2).

o The median maximum time at an elevated temperature in an automated biobank was 1 hour for storage at -20°C, 10min for storage at -80°C; and <5min for storage temperature at Vapor Phase N2.

o The median temperature tolerance (± °C) in an automated biobank was ± 6°C for storage at -20°C, ± 6°C for storage at -80°C; and ± 10°C for storage temperature at Vapor Phase N2.

o The median maximum sample storage time in an automated biobank was 6-10 years for storage at -20°C, 3-5 years for storage at -80°C; and 6-10 years for storage temperature at Vapor Phase N2.

o The median maximum storage throughput (automated deposit of containers per 8h working day) needed in an automated biobank was 250-500 containers for storage at -20°C; 100-250 containers for storage at -80°C; and 75-100 containers for storage temperature at Vapor Phase N2.

o The median maximum retrieval throughput (automated retrieval of containers per 8h working day) needed in an automated biobank was 250-500 containers for storage at -20°C; 100-250 containers for storage at -80°C; and 50-75 containers for storage temperature at Vapor Phase N2.

o The functionalities respondents most needed in automated biobank were a cherry picking capability and 2D barcode reader.

o Sample tracking/audit trail was ranked as the key driver for implementing biobanking automation.

o The preferred location for an automated biobank was in a room with a ceiling <3.0m (10 foot) high.

o The preferred installation option was smaller footprint, but taller height unit.

o Most respondents expect a new automated biobank to also serve as operational laboratory.

o The facility or services, that may be used in an automated biobank, that respondents have greatest current access to is an electric back-up power generator (e.g. diesel fuelled).

o Respondents showed greatest familiarity with REMP/Tecan - SAS LIMS system.

o Most respondents do not have a requirement for an analytical/sample processing instrument to be connected to an automated biobank.

o Details of the budget plans of 22 respondents considering purchasing automated biobanks are given, together with their opinion on reasonable pricing and the price points at which the automation of biological sample storage becomes financially unattractive.

o Funding the initial capital outlay for the automated storage and retrieval system was ranked the factor of greatest importance when justifying the implementation of an automated biobank.

o A bottom up model was developed to estimate the global market for deep-cooled automated biobanks (i.e. at -80oC and below). The total sales volume was estimated to be around 200 units spread over the next 5 years, with a total sales value approaching $800 million.

o REMP/Tecan was respondents first choice store manufacturer when considering a list of desirable characteristics/attributes related to automated biobanking.

o Respondent's feedback on: the importance of biomaterial processing and storage automation in their labs; their typical storage and retrieval to order scenario; and their ideal automated biological storage system are documented.

o The full report provides the data, details of the breakdown of the responses for each question and the estimates for the future (2010 or 2013). It also highlights several interesting differences between the survey groups.

Format: PDF November 2008
Table of Contents
Price: $2,475.00 / €1,654.29

BioPortfolio uses RBS Worldpay Secure Server for credit card transactions