Some assay manufacturers manage enzyme production in-house, while others outsource enzyme production to an OEM vendor. This can be highly cost-effective and an intelligent way to maximize productivity where in-house resources are limited. Even when a growing company may have secured a primary enzyme supplier, securing a secondary vendor for critical kit components can create greater security in their supply chain, particularly if the initial vendor cannot manage the increase in demand.
A particular challenge can be in finding the correct raw materials source. This especially applies to molecular diagnostics kit makers seeking a secondary supplier due to the requirement that the new vendor’s products be interchangeable with the primary source material.
Below is a case study highlighting how Tecan Genomics aims to maximize quality while providing timely delivery and fair pricing that aligns well with LGC Biosearch Technologies’ goals of collaborating with customers to deliver quality products quickly.
One of the enzymes LGC is providing for incorporation into our kits shows distinct quality improvements over other components we’ve tested, which has allowed us to support our customers in further improving their outcomes.”
General Manager, Tecan Genomics
The situation
In 2018, Tecan acquired NuGEN Technologies, a well-known and well-regarded name in laboratory automation, to support its genomics customers with reagents and kits.
NuGEN had become a leader in supplying next generation sequencing (NGS) kits with clients in basic research, molecular diagnostics, and applied markets.
When acquired by Tecan, the kits were introduced to a greater market, and the challenge of scaling up kit production became evident.
Image Credit: LGC Biosearch
The challenge
Rapid growth means there is a need to scale up production. Tecan Genomics saw the opportunity to create greater security in the supply chain by adding a secondary supplier for critical kit components. This was a critical safety measure that guaranteed a consistent flow of goods.
Now that we had grown a bit with Tecan the timing was right and we could look for a secondary vendor on all of these commonly-used enzymes.”
QC and Technology Transfer Manager, Tecan Genomics
Selecting the best supplier meant meeting various challenging requirements, the most important being quality.
Tecan Genomics is known for quality kits, and molecular diagnostics customers heavily rely on kits that are able to meet specific performance metrics. The Tecan Genomics team required a supplier able to provide kit components, like enzymes, at the same or better quality.
Reliable and timely delivery were also critical considerations, ensuring that their customers did not suffer unexpected delays to their testing workflows. Tecan Genomics also wanted to maintain low raw materials costs to keep pricing competitive.
The solution
When selecting companies to consider as a secondary supplier, Biosearch Technologies topped the list. The Tecan Genomics team had already built an existing relationship as a kit customer, and were confident that communication would be responsive and clear.
We looked at several other vendors and, of course, pricing was crucial. And also our existing collaboration made it very attractive to work with Biosearch Technologies. We knew what it was like to work with the team.”
QC and Technology Transfer Manager, Tecan Genomics
Biosearch Technologies was also able to meet all of Tecan Genomics’ requirements, particularly fast shipping times and reduced shipping risks, while still providing very competitive pricing.
The ultimate test was in validation, whether the Biosearch Technologies enzymes provide similar or better performance than primary source enzymes, and whether they were interchangeable. It was clear from the data that the answer was yes.
By collaborating with Biosearch Technologies, Tecan Genomics amplified the production of NGS kits while ensuring the preservation of their renowned quality, meeting the necessary scale of production, and maintaining the reliability of their supply chain.
About LGC Biosearch Technologies
LGC Biosearch Technologies™ is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of sophisticated custom oligonucleotide-based tools and mission-critical components for the molecular diagnostic, research and applied markets. With operations in 18 countries, LGC’s products and services are sold in around 180 countries globally with manufacturing sites across the world to effectively serve you wherever you are located.
Whether you’re developing molecular diagnostic tests, clinical genomics assays, novel oligo therapeutics or using genotyping to develop improved, sustainable crops - high-quality, accurate data is critical to your success. LGC is known in the industry for their consistent, high-quality reagents (ISO 13485 and ISO 9001) for the lowest lot-to-lot variability. Their manufacturing sites meet 21 CFR Part 11/21 CFR Part 820 regulations, and they provide full traceability and documentation with QC testing available both routine and bespoke.
A combined expansive portfolio and cross-industry in-depth expertise of more than 40 years, enables LGC to provide you with comprehensive, competitive and innovative support across your entire genomics workflow and at every stage of your product development pipeline. From R&D through to large-scale commercialisation, their products and services scale up when you do.
Experience a collaborative and consultative partnership with the experts at Biosearch Technologies throughout every phase of your product development pipeline. Benefit from their guidance to overcome challenges, achieve your objectives, and accelerate your time to market. View the full portfolio of products here
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