Elsevier MDL to build new electronic lab notebook for life sciences research

In response to industry and customer demand, Elsevier MDL has launched a dedicated, phased program to build a robust, scalable, enterprise-strength electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) for the life sciences, built on MDL® Isentris® technology, for delivery in 2006.

“Elsevier MDL pioneered the first all-electronic laboratory notebook over a decade ago and is today a leader in the development and deployment of advanced ELN systems that combine the best features of paper notebooks with robust electronic data handling capabilities,” said Elsevier MDL CEO Lars Barfod. “A new generation ELN that satisfies both intellectual property and regulatory requirements is a unifying application that will significantly reduce cycle time in biopharmaceutical R&D.”

Biopharma researchers engaged in experiment planning and data capture/analysis supporting parallel synthesis, single- and multi-step reactions and other complex processes are increasingly demanding an electronic laboratory data capture, report generation, auditing, tracking and storage solution that supports FDA- and OSHA-mandated Good Manufacturing and Good Laboratory Practices, as well as 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. An integrated ELN system offers many productivity benefits: streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks, documenting discovery history for patent disclosure and defense and leveraging past work. In addition, an integrated ELN ensures that information captured in the system can benefit everyone in an R&D organization.

The open, scalable, extensible and proven MDL Isentris discovery informatics platform offers the technology framework for building and delivering a variety of ELNs. The first ELN release will address the needs of discovery scientists, particularly in organic synthetic chemistry, with a scope encompassing authentication, sign/witness, audit, notebook record repository and reporting services with extensive workflow customization capabilities. The first release will integrate with MDL structure and reaction registration services, with the MDL® Discovery Logistics materials management solution, and with both Elsevier MDL and proprietary customer content. The first ELN will also support collaborative searching of hosted content via the DiscoveryGate® platform for scientific research. Subsequent ELN releases will provide additional functionality supporting development chemistry and biology workflows.

Elsevier MDL offers extensive experience in developing and delivering ELN consulting applications, deep domain knowledge in chemistry and biology workflows, a large existing biopharmaceutical customer base and a corporate commitment to the pharmaceutical and wider scientific marketplaces. For all of these reasons, Elsevier MDL is positioned to exert a significant presence in the rapidly emerging ELN market.

With the release of the new ELN, current Elsevier MDL customers using the existing MDL® Élan application will have the option to implement a modern, new generation ELN solution.

Elsevier MDL is interested in working with customers to identify specific requirements for the new-generation ELN. Research organizations with an interest in defining and validating these requirements should contact an Elsevier MDL Account Manager.

Elsevier MDL provides informatics, database and workflow solutions that accelerate the discovery and development of successful new drugs by improving the speed and quality of scientists’ decision making. Commercial, academic and government life sciences researchers around the world depend on Elsevier MDL for innovative and reliable discovery informatics software solutions and services augmented by 400 Elsevier chemistry and life sciences journals and related products. For more information, visit www.mdl.com.

Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. Working in partnership with the global science and health communities, the company publishes more than 1,800 journals and 2,200 new books per year, in addition to offering a suite of innovative electronic products and online reference works. For more information, visit www.elsevier.com.

Elsevier is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading publisher and information provider. Reed Elsevier’s ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange). For more information, visit www.reedelsevier.com.