Controlled laboratory reactor enables GlaxoSmithKline to develop optimised synthetic routes for early candidates and supply material for testing and scale up
A Lara controlled laboratory reactor (CLR) from Radleys has enabled GlaxoSmithKline to create an open access facility in which optimised synthetic routes for early candidates are developed to supply material for testing and scale up.
The scale-up lab at GSK Stevenage is part of the chemical development group and is involved in the production of material for phase 1 clinical trials and early toxicity testing in support and approval of these trials, in addition to process qualification prior to further scale up.
It is acknowledged as a centre-of-excellence for controlled laboratory reactors, working across a range of therapeutic areas.
Traditionally the lab had employed a range of jacketed glass reaction systems developed with parts sourced from several suppliers.
However these systems are somewhat inflexible, especially in terms of exchanging vessels, which is particularly labour-intensive and time consuming.
To cope with different reaction volume requirements it was necessary to employ a permanent three-vessel platform that occupied a large area of valuable laboratory space.
Data logging required the use of external portable equipment that was cumbersome and did not fully integrate all parameters.
Having previously supplied custom glass reactors to GSK, the Lara CLR was selected as it delivered a completely integrated solution.
Lara offered hardware and software components specifically designed to provide the ease of use, time savings, comprehensive data logging, and reliability sought by the scale-up lab.
Offering a choice of easily interchangeable jacketed glass reaction vessels, Lara has enabled the scale-up lab to considerably reduce downtime between user modifications, says Radleys.
Its compact footprint has released fumehood space for other equipment.
A host of novel hardware features and intuitive PC control software has allowed the system to be used productively by all staff.
Comprehensive data logging built into the system has enabled the lab to use the Lara CLR to control and monitor a range of third party devices.
Radleys says GSK is now investigating how the Lara CLR can further assist in accelerating applications in chemical and process development.
