With the rapid growth in immuno-oncology and cell gene therapies, sample processing is required in today’s trials. “As a result, sponsors are often faced with the choice between having samples processed locally at the sites, or sent to a global central laboratory,” Jeff Mayhew, chief development officer, LabConnect, told us.
He explained that local sample processing can be timely, but sample quality can vary from location and while global central laboratories are standardized, they require more time and money. The global sample processing network (GSPN) service offers additional points of service and the ability to identify and qualify laboratories as needed while providing regionally-based support to sponsors.
GSPN was designed to reduce sample processing turnaround times and improve quality through centralized monitoring. According to the company, the new service makes this possible through consistent processes and monitoring systems to mitigate sample quality inconsistencies that result in lost data points.
The service combines packaging, standardized analyst certification, and centralized performance monitoring for consistency worldwide – as it recognizes global regulatory protocols.
Time requirements and processing consistency across global sites can pose a challenge, according to LabConnect. However, GSPN has the potential to address this challenge by minimizing shipping time from site to processing lab, which can be particularly important for time-sensitive samples.
To address these challenges with GSPN, Mayhew told us LabConnect uses shippers “specifically designed to transport these temperature and time sensitive samples.”
