RTS Life Science has developed a software system for a high-throughput structural biology factory (HTSB factory) operating at Takeda San Diego.
The HTSB factory streamlines Takeda San Diego's protein crystallography operation.
Takeda San Diego is Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical's global centre for excellence in structure-based drug discovery.
The HTSB factory utilises an industrial robot to provide plate-handling services for multiple concurrent and independent liquid handling processes in a single platform.
The system performs three processes: liquid handling for bulk pre-mixed (course screen) crystallisation solutions; preparation of custom (fine screen) crystallisation solutions; and set up of sitting drop vapour diffusion protein crystallisation solutions.
Takeda said that the high quality and reliability of the system means it achieves high throughput and consistent results with minimal user input.
In addition, the HTSB factory allows for the production of commercial screens directly into crystal plates, removing the need for intermediate deep well plates.
The factory is supported by a software program developed by RTS Life Science engineers.
After a competitive tendering process, Takeda San Diego selected RTS Life Science to deliver its solution.
John Palan, director of engineering at Takeda San Diego said: 'The state-of-the-art technologies in the HTSB factory will continue to enhance Takeda's research and development pipeline.
'The system has achieved a high level of performance in the areas of quality, throughput and especially reliability.
'The most significant overall impact of the system has been to enable Takeda San Diego to continue to meet important structural biology and drug discovery goals.' This project demonstrates RTS Life Science's ability to deliver made-to-order automated solutions to the pharmaceutical industry.
