(1217-B) An integrated approach to enhancing compound management at Merck

Abstract: Merck has strategically integrated acoustic tube technology at the heart of its compound management operations. After a comprehensive review of the company's compound handling processes, the Merck Rahway team chose to create a cohesive, fully integrated system aimed at enhancing efficiency. This initiative focused on preserving stock compounds more effectively and accelerating the fulfilment of client requests.

The inception of a new acoustic tube technology in 2018 marked a collaborative milestone among Labcyte, Titian, Azenta Life Sciences, and AstraZeneca. Designed to optimize compound management, this technology, along with its associated workflow, enables swift preparation of library subsets for targeted screening, enhances sample storage capacity, and expedites sample tube processing.

Historically, the range of solutions for processing acoustic tubes, particularly for automated storage, was limited due to technical constraints.

SPT Labtech's comPOUND® acoustic system presented Merck with a versatile, modular solution. It is designed to not only fulfill current needs but also to easily scale for future expansion. The comPOUND automated sample management system utilizes a pneumatic network for storing and retrieving samples, featuring both standalone and integrated work cell capabilities through its connect system. Merck, recognizing the system's potential, embarked on a collaborative project with SPT Labtech, Biosero, and Titian.

This poster highlights SPT Labtech's advancements in its comPOUND sample management technology. It details the development and implementation of a robust, integrated system for storing, retrieving, and transporting acoustic tubes, as successfully deployed at Merck Rahway.