Laboratory Focus September 2012 by Promotive Communications

Pharmaceutical

Cl i n i c a l

Chemical

w w w. b i o s c i e n c e w o r l d . c a

Laboratory Safety Proving its Worth Page 7

food

environment

SEPTEMBER 2012 Volume 16, Number 5

Maintaining PPE for Optimal Use

Page 12

R&D News.......................... 1 Appointments..................... 5 Pharma Notes..................... 6 New Products................... 15 Calendar........................... 17 Career Spotlight............... 18

Scientists create first ever 3-D pancreas in a dish Scientists in Toronto have created a tiny, living 3-D organ model of pancreatic ducts to help them conduct research on pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest and least understood of all cancers. The 3-D organ model could lead to new ways to detect and treat pancreatic cancer, which has a very poor survival rate with only about six per cent of patients surviving five years after diagnosis. Using thousands of the tiny 3-D models in petri dishes in his lab, Dr. Muthuswamy and his team at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital will use genetic manipulation to recreate the events that lead to cancer formation in the pancreas. The researchers will add genes, hormones, and other agents to see what causes the cells to mutate into cancerous lesions. In patients, unfortunately, these lesions progress very quickly to late stage pancreatic cancer.

“In most biological cancer research, we grow and study cells in a flat layer, like a lawn, in a petri dish,” says Dr. Muthuswamy. “But cells don’t exist in our bodies like that. They exist as 3-D tubes and vessels, so if you study them in a flat layer, you will not be able to ask all the right questions. These models are much more realistic, much closer to what actually happens in our bodies.” Dr. Muthuswamy hopes that by observing the different stages of disease, his team will be able to identify new biological markers to detect and diagnose pancreatic cancer early (similar to the way high cholesterol points to a higher risk of heart disease). “We’re very excited about this powerful discovery because it’s going to set the stage for identifying new biomarkers and treatments for pancreatic cancer,” says Dr. Muthuswamy. “It really takes us to a new dimension.”

UBC researchers link Parkinson’s to severe flu Dr. Senthil Muthuswamy’s lab is the first to develop and use a 3-D model of pancreatic ducts to study how this devastating cancer starts and progresses. (CNW Group/Canadian Cancer Society (National Office))

Publications Mail Registration Number: 40052410

Severe influenza doubles the odds that a person will develop Parkinson’s disease later in life, according to University of British Columbia researchers. The findings were published online in the journal Movement Disorders in July by researchers at UBC’s School of Population and Public Health and the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre. The research results are based on interviews with 403 Parkinson’s patients and 405 healthy people in BC, Canada.

Lead author Anne Harris also examined whether occupational exposure to vibrations – such as operating construction equipment – had any effect on the risk of Parkinson’s. In another study, published online this month by the American Journal of Epidemiology, she and her collaborators reported that occupational exposure actually decreased the risk of developing the disease by 33 per cent, compared to people whose jobs involved no exposure. Continued on page 4

September 2012 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

news OICR funds Fluorinov Pharma Inc. to develop cancer-treating drug The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) announces $1.5 million in funding to be spread over three years to help develop a new drug from Toronto-based Fluorinov Pharma Inc. The new drug, FV162, helps with the treatment

of blood cancers. “Our investment in Fluorinov Pharma Inc. will move FV-162 towards the market by helping it to meet the preclinical requirements of Health Canada and the FDA,” said Frank Stonebanks, OICR’s vice-

president, commercialization and chief commercial officer, in a prepared statement. “This novel drug is very promising and could improve the quality of life and outcomes of patients with certain blood cancers.”

FV-162 helps treat blood cancers such as multiple myeloma and some forms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by targeting the proteasome, a part of the cell responsible for recycling old proteins. Continued on page 4

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Terri Pavelic staff writer Shawn Lawrence Daniela Fisher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gene Shematek Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) The Standards Council of Canada NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Marcello Sukhdeo GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elena Pankova CONTROLLER John R. Jones MARKETING MANAGER Mary Malofy CIRCULATION DIRECTOR James Watson circulation@promotive.net OFFICE: 24-4 Vata Court Aurora, ON L4G 4B6 Phone: 905-727-3875 Fax: 905-727-4428 E-mail: laboratory_focus@ promotive.net SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES circulation@promotive.net Fax: 905-727-4428 Laboratory Focus is published 6 times per year by Promotive Communications Inc. Legal Depository: National Library of Canada ISSN 40052410 Subscription rate in Canada $35/year; USA $60/year; other countries $100/year. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent.

TrustedPartner 1-800-234-7437 • www.fishersci.ca

Count on Fisherbrand for the products you need, when you need them. Quality, reliability and value.

Publications Mail Registration Number: 40052410 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept: 24-4 Vata Court Aurora, ON L4G 4B6 E-mail: circulation@promotive.net If you would like to order hard copy or electronic reprints of articles, contact Sandra Service 905-727-3875 x228 reprints@promotive.net ABC Membership Applied For www.bioscienceworld.ca

www.bioscienceworld.ca Laboratory Focus

September 2012

neWS canadian cancer Society annoUnceS neW innovation GrantS The Canadian Cancer Society has announced the new innovation grants as part of its second round of funding. The goal of these grants is to support unconventional concepts, approaches or methodologies to address problems in cancer research. All the new projects include elements of creativity, curiosity, investigation, exploration and opportunity. The projects were ranked according to their potential for “high reward” impact understanding cancer and generate new approaches to combat the disease by introducing novel ideas into use or practice. Among the projects funded are: Microbubbles and heat Dr. Gregory Czarnota, Sunnybrook Hospital, $200,000 over three years

that will make detection easier and more accessible to health care providers and patients. The test uses a novel, light-based detection system that is fast and inexpensive. Chemotherapy and hearing loss Dr. Francois Meyer, CHUQ - Laval University Medical Research Centre, $145,774 over three years Cisplatin is a drug used for treatment of both childhood and adult cancers, however one of the common side effects of the drug is a loss of hearing. Dr. Meyer is the first to conduct a clinical trial with 30 patients using a safe and natural antioxidant called sodium thiosulphate to study its ability to prevent hearing loss in patients being treated with cisplatin.

Heating (hyperthermia) has been used as an add-on to standard radiation therapy, but it has yet to be used as a stand-alone option for treatment. Dr. Czarnota is studying the effects of using hyperthermia along with microscopic bubbles and ultrasound - both of which should enhance the heating effects on the tumour - as a treatment option that would be less invasive and more effective for cancer patients.

Cancer-killing viruses

Histamines to fight cancer

Viruses can be engineered to specifically target cancer cells, leaving healthy cells intact. Drs. Diallo, Korneluk and McCart are all taking a unique approach in harnessing the power of viruses to kill cancer cells. Each project involves improving the use of viruses so that they can one day be used in the clinic to treat cancer patients.

Dr. Jean Marshall, Dalhousie University, $184,448 over three years While drugs that block histamine and its ability to trigger the immune response are widely used for helping minimize the side effects of cancer treatments, the body’s natural immune response is also thought to be an important player in the fight against cancer. Dr. Marshall’s study will take an unconventional approach and look at how histamine can play a positive role in regulating the body’s ability to fight tumours, potentially impacting the way doctors manage many types of cancers.

Dr. Jean-Simon Diallo, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, $200,000 over three years Dr. Robert Korneluk, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, $200,000 over three years Dr. J. Andrea McCart, Toronto General Hospital, $200,000 over three years

u of S reSearcherS diScover cannaBiS “Pharma factory” University of Saskatchewan (U of S) researchers have discovered the chemical pathway that Cannabis sativa uses to create bioactive compounds called cannabinoids, paving the way for the development of marijuana varieties to produce pharmaceuticals or cannabinoid-free industrial hemp. The research was published online in the July 16 early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). U of S adjunct professor of biology Jon Page explains that the pathway is an unusual one, involving a specialized version of one enzyme, called hexanoylCoA synthetase, and another enzyme, called olivetolic acid cyclase (OAC), that has never before been seen in plants. “What cannabis has done is take a rare fatty acid with a simple, six-carbon chain and use it as a building block to make something chemically complex and pharmacologically active,” Page says. Cannabis has been cultivated for thousands of years for food, fibre, medicine and as a psychoactive drug. Cannabinoids such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, are produced on the flowers of the female plant in tiny hair-like

H I G H P U R I T Y P RO D U C T S F O R L A B O R ATO RY C H E M I S T RY

Caledon Labs, proudly Canadian.

Celebrating

Lung cancer breathalyzer Drs. Haishan Zeng and Stephen Lam, BC Cancer Research Centre, $183,688 over three years Early detection and treatment of lung cancer increases the fiveyear survival rate of the disease to greater than 90 per cent. Drs. Zeng and Lam are developing a new biochemical-based breath test for lung cancer screening

structures called trichomes, the plant’s own “chemical factories.” The researchers used genomic analysis of isolated trichome cells to produce a catalogue of the genes involved in cannabinoid production. Page led the research with PhD student Steve Gagne, who discovered OAC, and postdoctoral researcher Jake Stout, who discovered hexanoyl-CoA synthetase (reported earlier this year in The Plant Journal). Page and his colleagues have already used the new enzymes to coax yeast to produce olivetolic acid, a key metabolic intermediate on the biochemical pathway that leads to cannabinoids. “Now that we know the pathway, we could develop ways to produce cannabinoids with yeast or other micro-organisms, which could be a valuable alternative to chemical synthesis for producing cannabinoids for the pharmaceutical industry,” Page says. Funding for this research was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Genome Canada PhytoMetaSyn project, Genome Prairie, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the National Research Council.

40 years!

m labs.cotion! n o d e l a visit c atest promo l for our ISO 9001:2008 Certified call 877.225.3366 | fax 905.877.6666 service@caledonlabs.com

September 2012 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

news

Synchrotrons help bring superconductors out of the cold

Continued from page 1 The research also found that the opposite is true for people who contracted a typical case of red measles as children. They are 35 per cent less likely to develop Parkinson’s. Meanwhile, Harris found that those exposed to high-intensity vibrations – for example, by driving snowmobiles, military tanks or high-speed boats – had a consistently higher risk of developing Parkinson’s than people whose jobs involved lower-intensity vibrations (for example, operating road vehicles). The elevated risk fell short of the statistical significance typically used to establish a correlation, but was strong and consistent enough to suggest an avenue for further study, Harris said.

Continued from page 2

Dr. Feizhou He observes a sample at the Canadian Light Source beamline where the superconductor data was gathered. Photos courtesy of the National Research Council of Canada

The longstanding search for a room temperature superconductor is fueled by a tantalizing set of possible applications that sound like science fiction: infinitely long power lines that never lose energy, magnetically levitating trains, and incredibly fast quantum computers. Now an international team of researchers has made a major breakthrough in understanding the limits of these materials. The collaboration, including researchers from the

Canadian Light Source, University of Waterloo, and the University of British Columbia, used no less than four synchrotron facilities worldwide in order to confirm their results. The team found the first experimental evidence that a so-called “charge-density-wave instability” competes with superconductivity. Armed with this knowledge, scientists can start to design new materials that will bring superconductors out of the cold and into large-scale

real world applications. “Without very specific evidence it is like theorists are shooting in the dark. Our new data will narrow their target significantly” explained Canadian Light Source scientist Dr. Feizhou He. The collaboration involved several prominent institutions, including the Max Planck Institute in Germany, Milan Polytechnic University and CNRSPIN. The results were published in the American journal Science.

Currently, proteasome inhibitor-based treatments are toxic, and need intravenous delivery. Also, there is the possibility of some cancers developing a resistance to this treatment. Fluorinov Pharma Inc.’s new drug has a lower toxicity, is taken orally, and in the laboratory has proven effective against drug-resistant cancers. In developing FV-162, the company used a unique medical chemistry technology, where fluorine atoms are placed in drug candidates to enhance their pharmacokinetic properties and biological activities. FV-162 selectively inhibits the chymotrypsin-like enzymatic activity of the proteasome. The funding comes from OICR’s Intellectual Property Development and Commercialization Fund, which in 2011 changed the criteria for funding applicants to include Ontario start-ups with promising oncology intellectual property. Fluorinov Pharma Inc. is the first to receive funding with the new criteria.

SFU duo’s protein discovery links to cancer research A Simon Fraser University graduate student’s collaboration with her thesis supervisor on how a particular type of protein controls the growth of another protein could advance cancer research. Esther Verheyen, an SFU professor of molecular biology and biochemistry, helped her master of science student Joanna Chen uncover how the Hipk protein kinase can be manipulated to stop tissue overgrowth in flies. Yorkie, known as Yap in humans, is another type of protein that induces the overgrowth of cell tissue in the eyes, legs and wings of flies. High levels of Yap are often found in human tumours. In experiments on the fruit fly Dro-

sophila, Verheyen and Chen first found that Hipk could cause overgrowths similar to those found on tissue with too much Yorkie. The researchers then genetically generated flies in which there was a higher concentration of Yorkie but a lower concentration of Hipk present than normal in their organ and limb tissues. “When we did that,” says Chen, “Yorkie could not cause overgrowths anymore. We were able to show this need for Hipk to be present in a number of different fly tissues, such as the eyes, legs and wings.” Chen and Verheyen say their discovery is generating a lot of excitement

in the molecular biology science community. “We have identified a factor that in flies is required for even overly active Yorkie to trigger overgrowth,” explains Chen, who graduated in June. She begins working as a research assistant at the Vancouver Prostate Centre in August. The two are now checking to see if this new cell growth regulation mechanism they’ve discovered is conserved across different species, including mice, which have similar Hipk proteins to humans. Their findings were published in the online July 26 issue of Current Biology, a CellPress journal.

Prof. Matthew Farrer has identified a new gene mutation linked to Parkinson’s. (Photo: Martin Dee)

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Dr. Terry Klassen has been appointed to the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), for a threeyear term. Klassen is a pediatric emergency physician, a clinician scientist and one of the country’s leading pediatric researchers. He is also director of research for the Manitoba Institute of Child Health, an associate dean and academic in the faculty of medicine at the University of Manitoba, as well as professor and director of research in the department of pediatrics and child health.

Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. appoints James Rae as its independent chairman of the company’s board of directors. He takes over from Bioniche president and CEO, Graeme McRae. Rae has been the CEO of London, ON-based Viron Therapeutics Inc. since 2007. He has over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing, marketing, financial and R&D operations of both pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, as well as experience in financing from public, private and government sectors and in deal-making with multinational companies. He presently holds directorships in three Canadian biotech companies and has previous experience as a director on the boards of a number of publicly-traded biotechnology companies. Response Biomedical Corporation appoints Dr. Jonathan Wang as a director. Dr. Wang was a previous director of the company from July 27, 2010 to Oct. 20, 2011.Dr. Wang is a senior managing director, Asia at OrbiMed. He is a co-founder and partner at OrbiMed’s Asia-focused

Laboratory Focus September 2012

VC fund. Previously, he was general manager at Burrill Greater China Group and worked for WI Harper Group and Walden International, two pioneers in the Asia-related VC industry. Dr. Wang is also a board director at ForteBio, Inc., EA, Inc. and PharmAbcine, Inc. He is a co-founder and former Chairman of The BayHelix Group. He holds a PhD. in molecular neurobiology from Columbia University where he obtained scientific training under the supervision of Dr. Eric Kandel, a Nobel Laureate. Dr. Wang also earned an MBA. from Stanford University. Cangene Corporation announces the appointment of Michael Adelman as vice president, commercial operations. Adelman will be responsible for worldwide sales, marketing and distribution of Cangene’s products. He brings to the

aPPointmentS

role nearly 20 years of experience in life sciences with expertise in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, strategic planning, and general management. He will be based in Cangene’s Pennsylvania office. Adelman was previously vice president, marketing and sales at Adolor Corporation. Prior to that, he held positions of increasing responsibility at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP in marketing and sales. He holds an MBA from New York University, Stern School of Business and a bachelor of science in business administration, with a concentration in finance, from Northeastern University, Boston. Canadian healthcare services company Centric Health Corporation appoints David Cutler as president and CEO of the company. He will assume his responsibilities this month. Cutler joins Centric Health from Leisureworld Senior Care Corporation, Canada’s fifth largest operator of senior’s housing and the third largest licensed long-term care provider in Ontario, where he is president and CEO, a position he has held since 2005. He began his career with Leisureworld in 1990 as vice president of operations and became COO in 1999. In 1993, he was elected to the board of Ontario Nursing Home Association

(ONHA), the predecessor of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association (OLTCA), where he also served as the president and currently serves as vice president at large. He also served on the board of directors of Futuremed Healthcare Products Corporation from May 2010 to March 2012. The board of directors of the BC Innovation Council (BCIC) announce the appointment of John Jacobson as the organization’s new president & CEO. Jacobson is a seasoned British Columbian entrepreneur and business leader. Prior to joining BCIC, he was president and CEO of Monexa Technologies Inc., where he led the transformation of the pioneering internet service provider from the 1990’s into a leader in billing and payment services in the cloud. Before Monexa, John held leadership roles at Offshore Systems International (OSI Geospatial), MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates and PSC Group. Pharmexx Canada Inc. announces the appointment of Hans Christian Hansen as managing director. Hansen has 14 years of experience in sales, marketing, business development and alliance management from markets across Canada, Europe and Asia. He began his career in 1999 with LEO Pharma

of Denmark and in 2008 Hansen joined Invida of Singapore, a pharmaceutical commercialization services company in Asia. He has a Master of Science in International Business and Modern Languages, holds a Diploma of the Nordic Pharmaceutical Industry Association (Lif), and has completed INSEAD Executive Leadership Training. Biosign Technologies Inc. announces the appointment of Robert Kaul as CEO effective immediately. Kaul has over 23 years of experience in sales, marketing, operations and a successful track record leading earlystage technology companies. Since 2005, he has assisted a number of Canadian companies to enter the US market, including Luna Technologies International Inc (where he served as director of operations) and ARA Safety Inc. (where he was COO). Kaul is the former CEO of Cloud Diagnostics LLC, a healthcare IT distribution company he founded in 2009. In June 2010, Biosign acquired the assets of Cloud Diagnostics, and from July 2010 to June 2011 Kaul served as executive vice president of Biosign, where he focused on international sales & business development. He then served in a consulting capacity for the company, and in July 2012, he joined the company’s board of directors.

The clear benchmark for clear results. German Engineering.

German Quality.

German Made.

The Miele Professional suite of lab washer products, from undercounter to large chamber, were created to meet 100% of your needs. Fully customizable, efNo task is too big or too small. Contact your Miele Professional sales representative to discover how a Miele lab washer can be the solution to all your cleaning challenges.

mieleprofessional.ca

September 2012 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

Pharma noteS

OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Bothell, WA/Vancouver, BC) has initiated patient enrollment in its second Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating custirsen in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The AFFINITY trial will evaluate if custirsen when combined with second-line chemotherapy has the potential to improve survival outcomes for prostate cancer patients compared to second-line chemotherapy alone. The trial is an international, randomized, open-label study that will enroll approximately 630 men with CRPC who received first-line docetaxel chemotherapy and have disease progression. Patients will be randomized to receive custirsen, cabazitaxel and prednisone or cabazitaxel and prednisone alone. The primary endpoint of the study is overall survival. Additional analyses will evaluate disease progression parameters and quality of life. Custirsen has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of patients with CRPC receiving first-line docetaxel chemotherapy.

Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories (London, ON) has acquired the drug and alcohol testing business of Maxxam Analytics, a leading provider of analytical services and solutions to the energy, environmental, food and DNA industries. Gamma-Dynacare’s operations include a specialized toxicology laboratory at its facility in London, ON, which provides services to help companies and healthcare providers monitor the well-being of their employees and patients, minimize health risks and promote wellness. GammaDynacare also plans to open a certified instrumented initial testing facility in Edmonton, AB in October 2012, to provide toxicology screening services to the oil and gas sector and other industries in Western Canada. In addition to drug and alcohol testing, GammaDynacare offers a broad range of other occupational testing services, including trace metals testing, preemployment blood testing, biological monitoring, pulmonary function testing, electrocardiography (ECG) and industrial allergy testing.

 Canadian Society for Chemical Technology

Advance your professional knowledge and Further your Career

Laboratory Safety course September 17–18, 2012 Toronto, Ont. For chemists, chemical technologists and those responsible for managing, conducting safety audits or improving the operational safety of chemical and research facilities.

Course outline and registration at

www.cheminst.ca/profdev

AD_Insertion_LF_switch_3.6235x4.735.indd 1

discount members for CIC/CSCT

Teva Canada (Toronto, ON) and Halo Pharmaceutical (Whippany, NJ) have completed the sale of Teva’s Mirabel (Montréal, Québec) manufacturing facility to Halo Pharmaceutical, a contract development and manufacturing organization. Under the terms of the sale, Teva Canada and Halo have established manufacturing agreements. Until the end of 2012, Halo will continue to manufacture all products currently produced at the Mirabel site, during which time certain of these products will be transferred to Teva’s Stouffville facility. In the long term, production of selected Teva Canada products will remain at the site. All existing Teva Canada employees will remain throughout the balance of 2012. In addition, the five year manufacturing agreements also assure the employment of at least 152 employees. Securing supplemental production capacity through the Mirabel site enables Teva Canada to continue to strengthen its drug supply to the Canadian market, ensuring maximum production capacity at other Teva manufacturing sites. Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (Québec, QC) has filed a request with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Fast Track designation for its oral ghrelin agonist, AEZS-130, as a diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). The request is part of the company’s new drug application (NDA) strategy for AEZS-130 to advance the product towards regulatory approval as efficiently as possible. The FDA’s Fast Track program is designed, among other things, to facilitate the development and expedite the review of new drugs that demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. According to its guidance on Fast Track applications, the FDA responds within 60 days of receipt of such requests. Medicago Inc. (Québec, QC), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing highly effective and competitive vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), announces the successful completion of a key milestone under an agreement with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The milestone was the production of at least 10 million doses of H1N1 VLP influenza vac-

4/30/2012 1:21:13 PM

cine candidate (rapid fire test) in one month. The rapid fire test is the fifth milestone under a Technology Investment Agreement with DARPA to demonstrate the scalable manufacturing of Medicago’s plantexpressed VLP vaccines in the U.S. To date, Medicago has received US$19.8 million in milestone payments from DARPA for this project, and expects to receive the fifth milestone payment of US$1 million in the near future. The rapid fire test was conducted at Medicago’s facility in Durham, NC. ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. (Laval, QC) and NantPharma, LLC (Los Angeles, CA) announce the formation of an affiliate biopharmaceutical company, NantPro BioSciences, LLC, to develop and commercialize a plasma-derived biopharmaceutical product for the US market. The newly formed US based company has entered into exclusive development, licensing and manufacturing agreements with ProMetic. Under these agreements, ProMetic has granted NantPro rights to its Plasma Protein Purification System (PPPSTM) and Prion Reduction technologies for the exclusive development and commercialization of a plasmaderived biopharmaceutical product for the U.S. market. The agreements provide ProMetic with grant back rights to the biopharmaceutical product for markets outside the U.S., subject to payment of royalties by ProMetic to NantPro arising from ProMetic sales outside the U.S. Cangene bioPharma Inc. (Winnipeg, MB) and Camurus AB (Lund, Sweden) announce the two have entered an agreement where Cangene has exclusive U.S. commercialization rights for episil®, a product used for management and relief of pain associated with oral lesions like oral mucositis (OM). Cangene bioPharma expects to launch episil® in the U.S. in October 2012. Among other causes, OM can result from cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The condition includes painful ulceration and opportunistic mouth infections. It is caused by damage to DNA in the mouth’s basal epithelial lining, which leads to decreased ability for cells to proliferate. OM limits the dosing allotment and frequency for cancer treatments, and can prevent the patient from eating.

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Laboratory Focus September 2012

rePrinted With PermiSSion from the Society for LaBoratory automation and Screening (SLaS) and the SLaS eLectronic LaBoratory neighBorhood

Laboratory Products

Purchasing Trends Take a Step Back for 2012 The Laboratory Products Association and SLAS jointly sponsor the annual North American Survey of Laboratory Purchasing Trends Report. The January 2012 report (http://www.slas. org/members/lpasurvey/) reﬂects the overall economy by revealing somewhat discouraging news for those providing products and services to the laboratory science and technology community. SLAS members: use the detailed information in the 304-page report to better understand the road ahead. 2011 after holding back for two years. While Warawa describes respondents’ reluctance to buy in 2012, she indicates that they do foresee steady but slow growth throughout the year. “They don’t see recession but they don’t see a barn-buster year either,” she states. “And, they believe slow and steady growth is better than no growth.”

A Bit of Background Clark Mulligan, C.A.E., LPA president

K.C. Warawa, president of K.C. Associates Inc.

“Based on the results of our survey, 2012 is the year for sitting tight,” expresses Clark Mulligan, C.A.E., Laboratory Products Association (LPA) president. Mulligan voiced this recommendation as January 2012 North American Survey of Laboratory Purchasing Trends responses show hesitancy across the board to commit to significant spending. Industry, hospital, government, college/university and independent/contract laboratory segments are skittish to invest in the midst of the nation’s economic woes. “This annual study in 2011 showed an increase in purchases when compared to 2010 and 2009, but shows a definite pullback when you compare 2011 report results to 2012,” adds K.C. Warawa, president of K.C. Associates Inc., the marketing research firm contracted to conduct the study. “This applies to hiring, purchasing and everything else. In 2011 people were very optimistic; they wanted the recession to be over and they were ready to buy after holding back for two years. For 2012, reality has set in and they are

pulling back on everything.” Warawa explains that last year’s North American Survey of Laboratory Purchasing Trends results, which were gathered late in 2010 to assess forecasted purchases for 2011, showed respondents ready to buy in

The Laboratory Products Association was founded in 1918 as the Scientific Apparatus Makers Association. Its members are manufacturers and distributors of laboratory products and services including: equipment and supplies; instruments; glass and plasticware; and chemicals and reagents used in scientific research, applied science and life science worldwide. The LPA initiated the North American Survey of Laboratory Purchasing

feature

Trends in this marketplace in 2002 in an attempt to understand the market’s standing in line with the overall nation’s economic downturn. “Then, when the economy rallied, no one wanted the data any more and we didn’t conduct the survey for a couple of years,” Warawa notes. LPA joined forces with the former Association for Laboratory Automation (ALA) to gather data in 2007 and issued its first trends report together in 2008. Both LPA and ALA knew that the true value of such studies is their ability to show changes over time, so they have continued to conduct and issue the purchasing trends survey report annually since then. When ALA merged with the Society for Biomolecular Sciences and became SLAS, this meaningful work continued. “Trending is the most powerful part about doing market research,” Warawa explains. “Because if you can see that something is changing, then you can react to it. If you do a standard survey, it’s just a snapshot in time. Yes, it’s good to know that information but it doesn’t tell you what your marketing plans or your business plans should be two years from now because it doesn’t tell you where you’ve been or where you’re going.” For this 2012 member-only report, K.C. Associates Inc. issued its 23 survey questions in December 2011. Warawa reports 1,128 responses were received, achieving a very comfortable 95 per cent ±3 confidence level. Key to this study, Warawa notes, is that it is conducted at the end of the calendar year. Respondents have the benefit of almost a full year’s activity and likely have gathered ample information to make many of their coming year projections.

The Perfect Combination. Detergents To Maximize Your Miele Lab Washer. Our range of professional cleaning detergents delivers residue-free results, extended life of your laboratory glassware and proper care for your Miele Lab Washer. With decades of experience, the end results are cleaner than clean. Experience it for yourself today.

mieleprofessional.ca

2/14/2012 5:33:02 PM

Workload Decreasing If the workload is decreasing, 54% of the respondents said the number of laboratory personnel also decreased in 2010. This increased to 60% in 2011 and up to 68% for 2012. There is less hesitation about reducing the number of people if the workload is reduced. While this is a small number of laboratories, two thirds of the respondents stated there could be cuts with reduced work.

September 2012 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

Feature

In 2008, 11% of the companies continued to hire even if the workload decreased. In 2012, only 1% of the respondents said there would be hiring of personnel with a decrease in workload.

Workload Workloadversus versusPersonnel Personnel:

Figure 1

If Workload Has Decreased, If Workload Has Decreased, Staff Has... Staff Stayed the Same

Increased

June 2008 September 2009 4%

52%

54%

43%

60%

34%

January 2012 1% 0%

54%

44%

January 2010 3% January 2011

Decreased

35%

11%

68%

31% 20%

Has…

40%

60%

80%

100%

Percentage of Responses

offers. “If the workload decreases, 68 per cent said they would reduce their workforce.” This compares with 60 per cent in Chemicals, reagents, solvents the 2011 report and 54 per cent, 52 Glassware, plasticware per cent and 54 per cent in 2010, Consumables excluding chemicals 2009 and 2008 respectively. Laboratory equipment <$2,500 XI Beginning in 2009, the SLAS/LPA Laboratory equipment >$2,500 study began tracking “laboratory auLaboratory instruments <$5,000 tomation” and this category has reLaboratory instruments >$5,000 mained pretty constant. For those Laboratory furniture purchasing in this product area, 72 Laboratory automation per cent stated their purchases would The report shows full data gathered be the same in 2010 as they were in in each category and the reasons of- 2009. The year before, 69 per cent fered for those spending decisions. said their 2009 purchases would reData is then cross-referenced by spe- main the same as in 2008. In 2010, cific product/service areas: basic re- nine per cent of the respondents said search, biotechnology, chemicals, there would be a decrease in expenclinical, environmental and pharma- ditures and 19 per cent said spending ceutical. They also are further chart- would increase. In 2011, only eight per ed comparing 2012 results to previ- cent indicated a decrease in spending ous years to provide the all-important and 21 per cent said there would be an increase. In 2012, 17 per cent will see trending information. Forty-nine per cent of the respon- an increase in spending which is down dents were lab managers/directors from last year’s 21 per cent. Nearly /section/corporate managers with three quarters of the respondents (74 another 41 per cent listing their job per cent) will see no change to the function as scientist. The distribution spending with an additional 10 per cent stating there will be a decrease. of the respondent organizations was: In another question, the respondents were provided a list of possible Industry 52 % outsourced activities including: Hospital 7 % Government 11 % College/university 19 % Research Independent/contract lab 11 % Development Production Research was the most frequentHuman resources/facilities ly identified respondent department, Finance functions followed by central service laboratory, Information technology development and QA/QC, respectively. Purchasing

changing needs of members in this fluid business environment,” Mulligan explains. “With the explosion of social media sites over the last three years, we felt it important to begin to track This Year’s New Topic: Social its use in the laboratory.” Media The results showed strong use In addition to tracking what’s happening in the laboratory with hiring, of LinkedIn first, followed closely workload, purchasing, operating bud- by Facebook. These two were well get, building/refurbishing laborato- ahead of other social media sites like ries and outsourcing, it has been the Google+, YouTube, Twitter, MySpace LPA’s practice to add “special topic” or blogs. Almost no one reported usareas arising that may affect mem- ing social media sites to obtain perbers. In 2010, it was the economic sonal product information and even environment and the American Re- less for laboratory products or activiLaboratory covery and Automation Reinvestment Act (stimu- ties. In 2009, a new category for “laboratory automation” was added to the list of products. LinkedIn is also the SLAS lus package). In 2011, it was green For those purchasing this product area, 72% stated their purchases would be the same in member’s first would choice for thesocial products in were the laboratory. For 2012, 2010 as they in 2009. In 2009, 69% said their 2009 purchases remain media, with more than 3,000 parthe association to add same as in 2008. decided In 2010, 9% of theseveral respondents said there would be a decrease in ticipating members of in the Society’s questions onand laboratory personnel expenditures 19% will increase. In use 2011, only 8% indicated a decrease spending group. of social media. (http://www.linkedin.comgrou and 21% said there would be an increase. In 2012, 17% will see an increase in spending which down from 21% last Nearly quarters of the respondents (74%) will “LPAisalways attempts to year. identify thethreeps?mostPopular=&gid=3363923 ) see no change to the spending with an additional 10% stating there will be a decrease. respondents. Development (134) and research (126) were next with information technology (100) fourth.

The products included in the study are listed in nine categories:

So, What are the Trends? “One of the things I found most interesting in this year’s report, and possibly most disturbing, is the number of people who are either doing no hiring or those who are going to fire people if the workload goes down,” Warawa

A total of 128 respondents identified information technology as the top function currently being outsourced. Research was second with 121 responses and development was third with 99. Production was seen as being increasingly outsourced by 161

Spending for Laboratory Products: Spending for Laboratory Products Figure 2 Laboratory Automation Laboratory Automation Stay the Same

Increase

2009

Decrease

20%

2010

69%

19%

2011

72%

21%

2012

71%

17%

10%

74% 20%

40%

60%

8% 10%

80%

100%

Percentage of Responses

Outsource Usage in the Next 12 Months Outsource Usage in the Next 12 Months

Figure 3

Increase

Decrease

Stay the Same

Don't Know

Question 9 Research

Development

Production

XXI Human Resources/Facilities

Finance functions e.g., accounts payable

Information Technology

Purchasing

Other

100

200

300

400

500

Number of Responses

__________________________________________________________________________ North American Survey of Laboratory Purchasing Trends – January 2012

www.bioscienceworld.ca Laboratory Focus

September 2012

feature While social media sites as information sources appear to have come up short, Mulligan and Warawa caution writing them off. “In the mid-1990s, I clearly remember the overriding thought in association management was that the Internet was a fad, that it would fizzle out and not go anywhere,” Mulligan laughs. “They were really wrong!” “If you were on the bandwagon for the Internet in the first couple of years in 1995 to 1997, you were just like social media is right now because almost nobody was there,” Warawa adds. “Early users were getting their feet wet, but there really wasn’t much value. Once more people started getting onto the Internet, it became valuable. And, now, it is an absolute necessity. If we go back and look at social media in a couple years, the survey results may be very different.” Warawa says this is another benefit to tracking trends for business purposes and to anticipate and test the possible game changers. “We’ve looked at the industry over a long period of time, and it’s important that people understand it’s a different world now,” she states. “For example in my presentation of study results at SLAS2012, I commented that research shows about 50 per cent of the people have their instruments repaired by someone else. Manufacturers need to know that they have to get parts and service information out there to meet this need. Decades ago, manufacturers wouldn’t even have thought about that as they issued manuals with the sale and they all repaired their own equipment. When this study reveals the number one means of getting information is a manufacturer’s website, that provides you with actionable information.”

What’s Ahead? While the survey responses paint a tough scenario for 2012, Mulligan and Warawa believe that knowing the climate ahead can help those in the industry prepare themselves and chart an appropriate business plan. SLAS chief executive officer Greg Dummer, C.A.E., agrees. “Knowledge is power,” Dummer states. “SLAS members are encouraged to review the

2012 North American Survey of Laboratory Purchasing Trends and gain the insight and detailed information it offers to give them a step up on what is coming around the pike.” “Unfortunately, everybody is dependent upon the overall economy,” Warawa muses.

“It’s like we’re sitting on jello; we don’t have a solid footing on anything. We have huge debt, wars and threats of wars and fear of dirty bombs – all terrible things that could affect your business without you doing a thing. But, if you have deep knowledge of your in-

dustry’s performance, you will be as prepared as possible.” SLAS will once again partner with LPA to conduct the next iteration of the North American Survey of Laboratory Purchasing Trends. The survey will be conducted in December 2012 with report-

ing of results at SLAS2013, the Second Annual SLAS Conference and Exhibition, Jan. 12-16, Orlando, FL. Only SLAS members can access the full 304-page .pdf file housed on SLAS.org. Contact Katie Woywod at kwoywod@

Continued on page 14

September 2012 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

Feature

By the Standards Council of Canada

Laboratory Proof of Personnel Safety’s Worth For the victims and families of a range of different crimes committed in Canada, bringing closure to their ordeals is often directly tied to the reliability of results produced by specialized laboratories—those with the competence to conduct, for example forensic DNA testing. Similarly, thousands of Canadians are personally affected by laboratories that conduct environmental and drinking water tests, or examine the chemical composition of various substances. Beyond the exact science being performed by any given laboratory, which demands consistency and adherence to agreed-upon standards for optimal accuracy and reliability of test results, the nature of laboratory work also requires that an equivalent amount of attention be paid to proper laboratory safety and hygiene. Depending on the type of tests that are being conducted, there is potential for grave danger in a laboratory setting, especially when toxic materials are involved. Establishing appropriate safety measures, in accordance with the requirements prescribed by the applicable Canadian provincial government will affect a laboratory’s performance as well as its trustworthiness. “There’s a lot of focus put on managers and supervisors to make sure we are driving the right safety culture and on ensuring that people are safe

in the lab,” said Paul Fewer, National director of Quality & EHS at Maxxam Analytics. “Maxxam performs full service forensic biology casework analysis for the RCMP. This includes case receipts, the screening of items… DNA analysis, interpretation, reporting and court testimony, if required,” said Fewer, adding that it is a privilege to conduct that degree of work for the RCMP and police agencies. The staff working in Maxxam laboratories, which offer a range of analytical services and solutions to the environmental, petroleum, food science and DNA industries, is required to follow specific guidelines intended to keep them safe when dealing with potentially dangerous materials or substances. “Maxxam goes beyond accreditation with our ongoing Quality Assurance (QA) systems and processes,”

explains Fewer. Maxxam’s QA group and Health and Safety group are managed nationally and report to the CEO rather than being managed locally by the operations groups. While lab safety implementation and strategies for risk mitigation may vary, according to Fewer the baseline factor in all successful, competing laboratories in Canada is third-party accreditation and adherence to standards. Anna Marie MacFarlane, laboratory manager with PEI Analytical Laboratories, agrees. “When you adhere to standards, you have a measure… and when you’re in a very small province, a national or international standard (can be applied) to testing and you have that bar set,” said MacFarlane. MacFarlane adds that lab safety is fundamental, and that it needs to be taken seriously at all times because there is always potential for risk.

“One of the most important aspects of laboratory work is that your staff needs to be safe when they’re doing their work,” said MacFarlane. PEI Analytical Laboratories, is a full service establishment consisting of three main departments that conduct water microbiology, soil, feed and water chemistry testing as well as plant health diagnostics. The laboratory also conducts analysis on dairy products including compositional and microbiological analysis of raw milk samples and microbiological analysis of processed milk products. In July 2012, all three departments–previously housed in separate buildings– were brought into the Charlottetown, PEI location. Given that approximately 50 per cent of the island’s drinking water comes from private wells, citizens of the province are impacted daily by the laboratory’s water microbiology testing efforts.

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Laboratory Focus September 2012

feature “A lot of small businesses are directly affected by the results that come out of this lab,” explains MacFarlane. “There are also a lot of tourist accommodations here, so there is a regulatory need for the water in those places to be monitored.” The laboratory’s adherence to internationally recognized standards (ISO/IEC 17025) enables laboratory staff to ensure that appropriate water testing results are achieved. “We have the ability to trace back results… everything is documented now, so we have proof when someone asks us,” said MacFarlane, reiterating the benefits of accreditation and standardization. The use of standards, and the ongoing accreditation of a laboratory to those standards, contributes to a laboratory’s ability to incorporate safety into the methods and protocols upon which laboratory personnel rely to perform testing. According to Carol Ottens, a Quality Assurance officer with the New Brunswick Department of Environment’s Analytical Services, their laboratory has an extremely low incident rate which can be directly attributed to staff making safety a priority. “Health and safety protocols are integral to all work performed at our laboratory,” said Ottens. “Our health and safety committee, which includes representation from all sections, performs regular safety inspections and works together to ensure that all staff have the safest possible working environment.” “It would be fair to say that there are more similarities than differences (in laboratory testing) as a result of standardization,” she said. The New Brunswick Analytical Services laboratory has the competence to conduct testing for microbiological, organic and inorganic parameters and conducts a large number of tests on well water. According to Ottens, protection of the environment and the safety of public and private drinking water supplies is a significant priority. Regardless of where and what type of scientific testing is being undertaken, adherence to internationally recognized standards, as demon-

strated through accreditation enables a laboratory to demonstrate their worth. A laboratory’s value proposition is inherently tied to the safety and quality practices which that laboratory has put in place.

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is Canada’s national accreditation body. Based on internationally recognized criteria, SCC provides third-party oversight or accreditation of testing and calibration

laboratories, organizations such as the ones referenced in this article. To learn more about SCC

accreditation and/or to obtain a complete listing of SCC accredited organizations visit www.scc.ca.

Learn more about Lab Safety on our Whitepapers Web Portal at www.bioscienceworld.ca

VWR:

Your Choice. Your Solution.

Available from VWR:

VWR® Carboys with Versatile Caps Maximize storage space in your lab with these highly versatile containers. They feature leakproof versatile caps and large, molded handles to ensure safety and ease of use. Available in a wide array of sizes and materials, there’s a VWR Carboy for your specific needs.

At VWR, we have thousands of products, including the one that’s right for you. Science should never be limited by a lack of options. VWR is committed to offering broad product choice from thousands of premier manufacturers to customers around the globe. We give you direct access to the world’s most respected equipment, supplies, chemicals, furniture, and more. Talk to us about the needs of your lab. We are ready to find a solution for you.

1.800.932.5000

vwr.com

VWR Carboy Ad_Final.indd 1

8/16/2012 2:24:01 PM

September 2012 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

Feature

by Gene Shematek, Occupational Health and Safety Consultant to CSMLS

Maintaining PPE

for Optimal Use

When it comes to controlling hazards, eliminating the hazard or controlling it through the use of engineering controls is always a first choice. The reason is the control is more likely to succeed if it removes the exposure by mechanical means and does not vary depending upon the person using it. Administrative controls are the next level of control. Having rules in place, ensuring employees are well trained and paying attention to scheduling etc., are useful ways to reduce exposure to hazards. But these controls rely on employees following the rules, taking the training and supervisors enforcing the controls.

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Laboratory Focus September 2012

feature

In many laboratories, personal protective equipment (PPE) is commonly used. This is considered the “last line of defence” because if the PPE fails, the worker is likely to be exposed to the hazard. Several factors influence the success of PPE as a control measure. These include: Proper selection of PPE for the task and the hazard, both with regards to type of PPE and fit of PPE. Proper training in the use of PPE. Proper donning and doffing of the PPE. Proper maintenance of PPE. Most PPE programs focus on the proper selection and training in the fit and use of PPE. However, lack of maintenance of PPE can be a cause of failure of PPE. Maintenance includes storage, cleaning, checking and disposal/replacement of PPE. A summary of maintenance practices for common lab PPE is provided below. Please consult the references listed in the footnotes for more details.

Safety glasses and goggles If possible, each worker should have his/her own and be responsible for maintaining their eye protection. Goggles and safety glasses should be washed regularly with soap and water before wiping them to avoid scratching the lenses. Store eye protection is clean, dustproof cases in places where they are not likely to be damaged. Replace safety glasses or goggles if the frames are bent, if the band is damaged or dirty and if the lenses are scratched or pitted.

Safety shields Safety shields that are permanent should be cleaned with soap and water regularly and disinfected if contaminated. Disposable personal safety shields should be disposed of after use.

Gloves Disposable gloves should be removed following infection prevention and control protocols and discarded in the appropriate container.

Inspect the gloves for defects before use. Any gloves that have holes or tears should not be worn, but disposed of immediately. Chemical gloves should be kept clean and dry. Back-up pairs of gloves should be available in the case the gloves become wet. Check gloves before use by holding the gloves by the cuff and swinging the glove outward and back towards the face to capture air; squeeze the inflated portion of the glove and look for defects. Change disposable gloves when they are dirty, if they become contaminated, or as required by infection prevention and control policies (e.g., between patients, etc.) For chemical gloves, do not use with incompatible chemicals. Ensure that gloves are removed properly to reduce the possibility of exposure to contaminants on the outside of the gloves.

Lab coats Keep lab coats clean. The frequency of cleaning lab coats depends on what you are doing when you are wearing the lab coats, the potential for contamination, the amount of time the lab coats are worn in a day, etc. Clean lab coats when visibly contaminated with blood or body fluids. They should also be cleaned once a week because of normal soil, perspiration and wear and tear. Do not wear lab coats outside the lab. Keep lab coats fastened. Store clean lab coats in a clean area and do not mix them with worn lab coats. Ensure there are adequate sizes and numbers of lab coats available.

Lab footwear Have designated areas for lab shoes. Ensure shoes are in good condition, have good tread and non-slip qualities, and do not have holes.

Hearing protection If using ear muffs, inspect the

muffs before use to ensure they are not damaged and the seals are not hardened. Replace cushions when they lose their resilience. Wipe ear muffs with a damp cloth after each use. If using ear plugs, inspect to ensure they are soft and pliable; if not, replace them. For reusable ear plugs, wash after use and store in a clean case. Ensure disposable ear plugs are disposed of after use. Store ear muffs in a clean, dry place.

Respirators Clean and disinfect reusable respirators as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Use the correct cartridges for the type of contaminant and replace cartridges as per manufacturer’s directions. Check for any defects (holes, cracks, dents, etc.) and discard if defective. Ensure fit tests are performed as required. Store in a safe place away from dust, light, chemicals, moisture and temperature extremes. Choosing the correct PPE for the task and potential hazards is a critical risk management strategy. Providing appropriate types and sizes of PPE will ensure they are available. Training workers on the selection and use of PPE will decrease risks associated with improper use of PPE. In addition to these factors, good maintenance of PPE is essential for the safety of workers.

References 1. CCOHS – OSH Answers - Personal Protective Equipment http://www. ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ ppe/ 2. CCOHS – Safety Glasses and Face Protectors http://www.ccohs.ca/ oshanswers/prevention/ppe/glasses.html 3. CCOHS – Hearing Protectors http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html 4. CCOHS – Respirator Care http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ prevention/ppe/respcare.html 5. CCOHS – Chemical Protective Clothing -Glove Selection http:// www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/pre-

vention/ppe/gloves.html 6. BLR – Employee Safety Training and Support Materials -Headto-Toe Training on PPE Maintenance http://safety.blr.com/training/ workplace-safety-training-sessions/employee-safety/PPEpersonal-protective-equipment/ Head-to-Toe-Training-on-PPEMaintenance/ 7. The Health and Safety Executive;UK http://www.devonline.gov.uk/index/information_ and_services/environmental_ health/eh-healthandsafety-intro/ eh-hs-guidance/eh-hs-personalprot.htm 8. Personal Protective Equipment – Healthy Working Lives http:// www.healthyworkinglives.com/ advice/minimising-workplacerisks/ppe.aspx 9. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Personal Protective Equipment Handbook – Use and Maintenancehttp://www.polyu. edu.hk/~hso/pubdoc/safety_PS/ ppe%20training%20notes%20 -%20english.pdf

Gene is the President of GMS & Associates, Ltd. – an Occupational health and Safety Consulting firm in Calgary, Alberta. Gene received a BA in biology from Boston University, and was certified as a medical laboratory technologist in both the United States and Canada in the 1970s, Gene worked as a medical laboratory technologist nationally and internationally and as a medical research assistant at the McGill Cancer Centre. Gene has held the position of Health and Safety Advisor for the CSMLS since 1992 and provides regular articles on lab safety in the Canadian Journal of Medical Laboratory Science.

Learn more about Lab Safety on our Whitepapers Web Portal at www.bioscienceworld.ca

September 2012 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

feature continued from page 9

figure 4 1918

Chronological Timeline of the Scientific Apparatus Makers Association (SAMA) and the Laboratory Products Association (LPA) the corporate parent of the lpa, the Scientiﬁc apparatus Makers’ association or “SaMa”, was formed in 1918 following the birth of the USa laboratory products industry during World War i

1930s - 1940s as analytical instrument and nuclear instrumentation companies were created, SaMa’s membership expanded. 1960s

an instrument Section was formed during the 1960s following hewlett-packard’s decision to sell their products direct. over the years additional product sections were created.

1970

a process measurement & control association merged with SaMa. early 1980s: SaMa was centrally organized with a 20 person Board. administration was at the SaMa level and each of the sections had their own executive committee as well as separate market statistics and meetings.

1989

Under a major reorganization, SaMa was renamed as the SaMa Group of associations. its three product sections (analytical instruments association, Measurement control & automation association, and the laboratory products association) were renamed as separate unincorporated associations, each with their own Board of directors, staff, membership criteria, dues structure, meetings and programs. also in 1989, a new group representing manufacturers of optical microscopes and surveying equipment was carved out of the lpa and set up as the opto-precision instruments association.

1994

Mcaa leaves SaMa and separately incorporates.

1998

the oia changes its name to the optical imaging association (opia).

1999

the Geomatics industry association of america (Giaa) is carved out of the opia to represent the manufacturers of surveying optical equipment.

2003

the analytical life Science Systems association (formerly aia) leaves SaMa and separately incorporates.

2010

Members of the Giaa choose to afﬁliate with the association of equipment Manufacturers.

2011

he SaMa Board of directors unanimously votes to rename SaMa to the laboratory products association, after its largest, most widely-known subgroup. this allows the opia to become a subgroup of the lpa and streamlines association administrative functions.

“We’ve looked at the industry over a long period of time, and it’s important that people understand it’s a different world now.” — K.C. Warawa slas.org if you need help with your membership login information. Not yet an SLAS member? Join today to read this report, and take advantage of other SLAS membership benefits.

References 1. SLAS/LPA Member-Only 2012 Laboratory Purchasing Trends Survey Results (http://www.slas.org/members/ lpasurvey/). 2. SBA.gov: Do Your Market Research (http://www.sba.gov/content/conducting-market-research) 3. Laboratory Purchasing Trends 2011: Encouraging News for Lab Personnel, Vendors (http://www.eln.slas. org/story/1/28-laboratory-purchasing-trends-2011-encouragingnews-for-lab-personnel-vendors) 3. In the Market for New Equipment? 10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy (http://www.eln.slas.org/story/1/29) 4. Kiplinger: 2012 Economic Outlook (http://www.kiplinger.com/businessresource/economic_outlook/)

Having confidence in your laboratory means your customers will have confidence in you. No business can afford mistakes when it comes to the testing of their product. Limit your risk by choosing a laboratory accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.

www.scc.ca

5. The Conference Board: Global Economic Outlook (http://www.conference-board.org/data/globaloutlook. cfm) 6. SNL Weekend Update Video: James Carville on the Budget (http:// www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/ video/weekend-update-james-carville/1319147)

Reprinted with permission from SLAS Electronic Laboratory Neighborhood at www.eln.slas.org.

Learn more about Bioanalytical Tools and Devices on our Whitepapers Web Portal at www.bioscienceworld.ca

www.bioscienceworld.ca

Laboratory Focus September 2012

neW ProductS Multi-Wavelength Imaging Andor Technology plc introduces its new multi-wavelength imaging portfolio, made up of the TuCam, an advanced two camera adapter for simultaneous imaging, and Optosplit II, a dual emission splitter that divides an image into two separate spatially equivalent components which can be displayed side-by-side on a single camera sensor. TuCam and Optosplit II feature fast, concurrent detection of two different fluorophores in experiments, and are compatible with Andor’s complete range of low light imaging cameras.

Web: www.andor.com/scientiﬁc_cameras/multi_wavelength_imaging/

High Throughput Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Dionex UltiMate 3000 XRS UHPLC system offers UHPLC capabilities in solvent delivery and sample handling, with a variety of detector options for high-throughput laboratories. UltiMate 3000 XRS has low gradient delay volume and unmatched flow precision with accuracy among all leading quaternary UHPLC platforms. The new system supports robust chromatographic runs with column pressures up to 1,250 bar (18,130 psi). Its new flow cell design, along with viper connection technology, means lower resolution loss and peak dispersion. UltiMate 3000 XRS also offers high resolution chromatography, complimentary detection technologies, a flexible configuration and user accessibility for pharma, biopharma, environmental, food safety and chemical laboratories.

Web: http://www.thermoscientiﬁc.com/uhplc-xrs

LC-MS System Thermo Fisher Scientific launches its Exactive Plus system, a benchtop liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system for high-throughput screening, identification and quantification of compounds in complex matrices. Powered by Orbitrap technology, Exactive Plus has advanced signal processing, ion options and transmission technologies. It produces full-scan HR/AM data, allowing for retrospective data analysis, and its new signal processing can increase system scan speed by a factor of two, providing ultra-high mass resolution for resolving components in complex sample matrices. Exactive Plus allows for fast polarity switching, with brighter ion source optics and improved C-Trap-to-HCD cell transmission, improving sensitivity and low-mass ion transmission.

Web: www.thermoscientiﬁc.com/exactiveplus

Freezers New Brunswick Scientific, an Eppendorf company, introduces its HEF® High Efficiency Freezer, the latest in a series of energy-saving ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers. The new freezers consume up to 59 per cent less energy than competitive units and have a lower carbon impact on the environment. The ULT freezers are virtually never turned off, compared to other laboratory systems, energy requirements can be high in order to maintain the very low temperatures needed for sample preservation.

Web: www.eppendorf.com/freezers

Liquid dispensers Eppendorf’s new Combitips advanced® offer safe, accurate liquid dispensing by positive displacement. The new tips have a colour-coded size system, elongated tips (size 2.5 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL) that completely empty standard laboratory tubes, a dispenser box with chute, and an extra purity grade of ‘Eppendorf PCR clean.’ They are available in nine sizes and can be used with any Eppendorf Multipette for precise pipetting of identical amounts of liquids in series. Combitips advanced® have hermetically-sealed pistons that prevent contamination, and the positive-displacement allows for high precision dispensing of problematic liquids, such as those with high density. The funnel geometry improves haptic feedback and stops damage to gloves. No slip agents are used in the manufacturing process, meaning bioassays can have better results.

Web: http://www.eppendorf.com

Data Logger Omega introduces a new battery-powered data logger that records input transitions or contact closures from external sources, including transducers and state initiators. A CE compliant product, the OMCP-STATE101A has a 10-year battery life, 4 Hz reading rate, a multiple start/stop function and high speed download capability. Suited for HVAC, chemical and environmental applications, features also include a 406, 323 reading storage capacity, optional memory wrap, optional protection and a battery life indicator.

Web: http://www.omega.ca/shop/pptsc.asp?ref=oM-cp-State101a&ﬂag=1

neW ProductS

September 2012 Laboratory Focus www.bioscienceworld.ca

Thermometer Omega launches its new wireless humidity and temperature monitoring and alarm system. The OM-CP-THERMALERT-RH has real time notification of humidity or temperature changes and has a user-programmable alarm that sends a message by text, screen alarm or email if an alarm arises. CE compliant, it has wireless two-way communication, a precision RTD sensing component and a long-lasting battery.

Web: http://www.omega.ca/shop/pptsc.asp?ref=oMcp-therMalert-rh&ﬂag=1

Cell Culture Media STEMCELL Technologies introduces its StemSpan™ ACF, a new animal component-free (ACF) and chemically-defined hematopoietic stem cell expansion medium. StemSpan™ ACF is the first complete medium for culture and expansion of hematopoietic stem cells that doesn’t contain any animal or human proteins, only containing recombitant and synthetic elements. It lets researchers study hematopoiesis and cell therapy development without transmission of adventitious agents from plasmaderived components, or have study results lack consistency between different lots of human or bovine proteins.

Web: http://www.stemcell.com/en/products/all-products/StemSpanacF.aspx

Temperature transmitter Omega is launching a new series of stainless steel, noncontact infrared temperature transmitters, with max, min average and instant readings; peak or valley hold, reflected energy compensation, OPC server capabilities and a response time of 240 mS to 90 per cent. The OS151-USB series have a four to 20 mA output, compatible with almost any indicator, controller, recorder or data logger without specific interfacing or signal conditioning, and 15:1 or 30:1 optics.

Web: http://www.omega.ca/shop/pptsc.asp?ref=oS151-USB&ﬂag=1

Testing machine Shimadzu Scientific Instruments’ new user-friendly UH-X/FX Series offer hydraulic universal testing machines for high-precision testing control, with an environmentally friendly design that can reduce energy expenditure is laboratories. The UH-X and UH-FX testers have a semi-auto-tuning function allowing for stress and strain control. They comply with ISO 6892-2009 and JIS Z2241 metallic testing standards and their control parameters are auto-tuned in real time based on test force and strain values during testing, which users can measure without specifying an amplifier range. Users can perform tests without a computer, by inserting a USB memory stick into the measurement controller, and test parameters will be automatically stored in the USB’s memory and can be analyzed by Shimadzu’s TRAPEZIUMX software. Both UH-X/FX include 10.4 inch colour touch screens and display S-S curves in real time. They have a hybrid hydraulic-powered system that combines an AC servo motor with a hydraulic pump, which operates only when necessary, reducing power consumption by up to 82 per cent and requiring 50 per cent less hydraulic oil to run.

Web: www.ssi.shimadzu.com/products/product.cfm?product=uh-x_fx.

New Metrohm titrators network without a PC Free your lab from bulky, power hungry PCs! Metrohm USA proudly offers the new Ti-Touch titrators that feature a built-in Ethernet port to fully network without a PC! Connect the 915 Karl Fischer Ti-Touch and 916 Ti-Touch directly to your local network and you can: export secure PDFs directly from the titrator; share methods between other titrators; print to network printer—features no other compact titrator can deliver.

Web: www.metrohmna.com

comPany & advertiSer indeX COMPANY

PAGE

WEBSITE

accn ............................................... 6 ...................................www.accn.ca aeterna Zentaris inc. ......................... 6 .............................. www.aezsinc.com andor technology.............................. 15 ................................www.andor.com Bc innovation council ......................... 5 ......................................www.bcic.ca Bioniche life Sciences ........................ 5 ............................. www.bioniche.com caledon Labs ................................... 3 .....................www.caledonlabs.com canadian cancer Society .................... 3 ..................................www.cancer.ca canadian institutes of health research 5 ...........................www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca canadian Society for .................................................................................. chemical technology ........................ 4 ............... www.cheminst.ca/profdev cangene corporation ......................... 5 .............................www.cangene.com eppendorf ....................................... 20 ......................... www.eppendorf.ca Fluorinov pharma inc.......................... 2 ..................www.fluorinovpharma.com Gamma-dynacare Medical laboratories 6 ................ www.gamma-dynacare.com Medicago inc..................................... 6 ........................... www.medicago.com metrohm ic ................................. 16, 19 ..........www.ic-changeisgood.com miele Professional..........................5,7 ..........wwww.mieleprofessional.ca new Brunswick Scientific .................. 15 ......................... www.eppendorf.com omega .......................................... 15, 16 ..............................www.omega.ca oncoGenex pharmaceuticals inc. ......... 6 ......................... www.oncogenex.com ontario institute for cancer research . 2 ..................................www.oicr.on.ca proMetic life Sciences inc. ................. 6 ............................www.prometic.com response Biomedical corporation ........ 5 ....................... www.responsebio.com Shimadzu Scientific instruments......... 16 ......................www.ssi.shimadzu.com Standards council of canada ........... 14 ....................................www.scc.ca SteMcell technologies ..................... 16 ............................www.stemcell.com teva canada ...................................... 6 ........................ www.tevacanada.com thermo fisher Scientific ................2,15 ......................... www.fishersci.ca vWr ................................................ 2 ................................. www.vwr.com Wyvern Scientific ........................... 11 ...................... www.wyvernsci.com

www.bioscienceworld.ca Laboratory Focus

SEPTEMBER September 10-11

September 2012

Calendar

OCTOBER October 1-3

13th International Conference on AdvaMed 2012: The MedTech Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Conference Venue: Jersey City, NJ Venue: Boston, MA Web: www.worldeventsforum.com/ Tel: 1-202-434-7213 addf/addrugdiscovery Email: info@medtechconference.org RC_lab_new:Layout 1 1/19/2012 9:27 AM Page 1 Web: http://advamed2012.com/

Email: bioeconomy2012@ales. ualberta.ca Web: http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/ Bioeconomy.aspx

September 10-13

Innovations in Biomedical Materials Venue: Raleigh, NC Tel: 614-794-5829 Fax: 614-794-5882 Email: mmecklenborg@ceramics.org Web: http://ceramics.org

October 4-5

October 2-5

Banff Venture Forum 2012 Venue: Banff, AB Web: http://www.banffventureforum.com/

Growing the Bioeconomy Conference 2012 Venue: Banff, AB Tel: 780-492-3236

October 5-9

Asilomar Conference: Mass Spectrometry in Food Safety and Quality Venue: Pacific Grove, AL Tel: 505-989-4517 Fax: 505-989-1073 Email: office@asms.org Web: www.asms.org

September 11-13

3rd Annual BioPartnering Latin America Venue: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Tel: +55.31.3303.0012 Email: arthur@biominas.org.br Web: http://www.techvision.com/bpl/

SRC103

September 14-21

National Biotechnology Week Venue: Across Canada Web: www.imagenenation.ca

September 15-21

19th International Mass Spectrometry Conference Venue: Kyoto, Japan Tel: +55-19-3521-3073 Fax: +55-19-3521-3073 Email: eberlin@iqm.unicamp.br Web: www.imss.nl

September 17-19

Pharmaceutical Strategic Alliances Venue: New York, NY Tel: (800) 332-2181 Email: custcare@elsevier.com Web: http://www.elsevierbi.com/ mkt/Conf/PSA/2012

September 19-21

BioPharm America Venue: Boston, MA Web: www.ebdgroup.com/bpa

September 27-29

Kamloops 2012 BCSLS Annual Congress Venue: Kamloops, BC Tel: 604-714-1760 Fax: 604-738-4080 Email: bcsls@telus.net Web: www.bcsls.net

September 30-October 3

126th AOAC Annual Meeting & Exposition Venue: Las Vegas, NV Tel: 301-924-7077 Fax: 301-924-7089 Email: aoac@aoac.org Web: www.aoac.org

September 30-October 4

FACSS 2012 Venue: Kansas City, KS Tel: 505-820-1648 Fax: 505-989-1073 Email: facss@facss.org Web: http://facss.org/facss

I wish to receive/continue to receive a complimentary subscription to

Yes

LABORATORY FOCUS

Format Preference:

Print option

Digital option

Signature:________________________________Date: ____________________________ Name: ____________________________Job Title:_______________________________ Company: _________________________Dept: _________________________________ Business Address : _______________________________________________________ City: _________________________Prov: ________Postal Code: ___________________ Telephone: ___________________________Fax: ________________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________________________________________ On occasion, LABORATORY FOCUS will send third-party information on products & services related to the lab and life science industries. These may be cancelled at any time. Please check here if you do NOT wish to receive these.

JOB TITLE 70 Laboratory Dir. / Mgr. 71 Laboratory Purchaser 72 Laboratory Technician 73 Research Scientist 99 Other:____________________ ____________________________

C75 10 11 12 13 14 15

C87 A B C D

C90

COMPANYs PRIMARY BUSINESS ACTIVITY 50 Industrial Laboratories 51 Academic Laboratories (except medical) 52 Medical Laboratories and Pharmacies within Hospitals and Universities (clinical and research)

55 Government Laboratories 54 Pharmaceutical Companies including Pharmaceutical Wholesalers 57 Private (Independent) Lab 99 Other:____________________ ____________________________

Primary Work Field Aerospace Automotive Biological Sciences Chemicals Electrical/Electronics Energy

16 Environmental Science 17 Food/Beverages/ Agriculture 18 Forensics 19 Genetic Technology 20 Material Science

27 Plastics/Rubber 28 Supplier – Instruments/ Consumables 29 Manufacturing 30 Construction 99 Other: ____________

21 Clinical Sciences 22 Metallurgy 23 Paints/Coatings 24 Paper/Pulp 25 Petroleum 26 Pharmaceuticals

Products Used in your Laboratory Analysis Instruments Basic Lab Equipment Chemicals/Biochemicals Chromatography – Gas

E F G H

Chromatography – Liquid Filtration, Water Purification LIMS Liquid Handling & Sample Prep

I J K L

Microscopes, Optics, Cameras Safety & Hygiene Spectroscopy Testing Systems/Equipment

M Vacuum Equipment

To subscribe to our e-mail newsletters, please check

1 Biotechnology Focus Weekly 2 Laboratory Focus Product Update

3 Drug Discovery 4 Commercialization

5 Energy 6 Nutritional Products 7 Bio IT

For a quick response please fax: 905-727-4428 or e-mail: circulation@promotive.net

September 2012 Laboratory Focus

Systems Biology, Science of the 21st Century On Aug. 19 to 23, the international systems biology community converged on Toronto for the 13th International Conference on Systems Biology (ICSB). Considered the main event for systems biology scientists, the event included more than 20 parallel sessions involving invited chairs and numerous presentations selected from the abstracts of meeting participants. Speakers delivered scientific presentations on topics such as chemical biology, protein pathway engineering, metabolomics, next generational sequencing, plant sciences, gene modelling and others. In addition to the science component, other extra-curricular activities were planned including a number of musical events, a conference dinner at Toronto Brick Works and an optional trip to Niagara Falls on the last day. Laboratory Focus was in attendance for the second and third days of the event. Day two opened at the Carlu, featuring lectures from major players in the field, including George Church, a worldrenowned professor of genetics from Harvard Medical School and founder of the Personal Genome Project (PGP). Church spoke about next-generation sequencing technology, as well as advancements in reading and writing genomes, and his goal to sequence all “omes,” not just genomes. Day three kicked off with the Society honouring David Botstein of Princeton University with the Keynote and Excellence in Quantitative Biology Education Award. A pioneer in modern human genetics, Botstein is known for his role in the Human Genome Project and for devising microarrays to exploit genome information. He was given the award for these accomplishments and for creating an intergrated science teaching program at Princeton in the field of systems biololgy. Botstein described systems biology as the science of the 21st century. “This is a community unlike most other scientific disciplines that is not stagnant, it is growing, pushing the envelope with new exciting technologies.” He also spoke glowingly about the Donnelly Centre, and conference presidents Brenda Andrews and Charlie Boone as well as conference organizer Cynthia Colby. “People like Brenda, Charlie and others at the Donnelly Centre, they are probably the leading group in the world in this kind of work, especially for yeast. There aren’t many sectors of science where Canada is a leading player, but this is certainly one.” The mandate of the Donnelly Centre is to stimulate new interactions at the interface of biology, chemistry, engineering and computer science in order to develop and apply new technologies for approaching the most challenging biological problems in the postgenomic era. Not surprisingly, the Centre has rapidly become recognized as a premier international centre for post-genome biology and has solidified Canada’s reputation as a leader in genomic research. The success of the Centre is evident through its ability to compete on the international scene and for being at the forefront in organizing an event such as this one.

CAREER SPOTLIGHT Bio-economy Career Profile

Compiled by BioTalent Canada Position: Senior Geological Data Analyst Name: Jeff Kenwood Company: acQuire Technology Solutions Ltd. Salary Range: Not provided

What I do:

I work for acQuire Technology Solutions in Calgary as a Senior Geological Data Analyst, assisting mining and exploration companies with their geological data needs. The organization has grown rapidly and operates from five locations around the world including Australia, Chile, Canada and the UK. Specifically, we provide data solutions for mining and exploration companies, assisting them with storing and retrieving database information. My role is to provide custom solutions while acting as interface between the client and software. I have three main responsibilities: providing ongoing technical support; upgrades and solutions for new and existing clients in collecting, retrieving, and storing data; and training clients onsite at the mining operation or the annual training retreat. Travel is a large part of the job, however, it is company policy that no one spends more than 100 days a year out of the office. This is an attempt to ensure staff does not burn out on the job. Recently, I traveled to mine sites in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and Ontario.

What education and skills do candidates need for this position?

You would have to be interested in technical training, and working and interacting with people. You must also be willing to travel. I would encourage someone starting out to take as many computer-related courses as they can at a technical college or university. My company is willing to train people who have the right mix of personal and technical skills. There are numerous personal and technical skills required for this position, however, there are many intangibles as well. You need to be able to work independently and in a team, when required, and to provide technical and creative solutions for clients. As well, you need to be analytical for this position and be able to work with people on many levels, including training. Overall, a Geological Data Analyst needs to have incredible attention to detail.

What are the best parts of your job?

The best thing about my job is the company I work for and the corporate culture. Companies in the mining industry tend to be “old school” in the way they deal with personnel, so it is important for a company to truly care about its employees and then illustrate it in the company policies.

SAVE ON TIME with intelligent components and automation that simplify your processes and optimize your workflow. SAVE ON STRESS thanks to systems built for decades of reliable service, and backed by expert support — when you need it. SAVE YOUR ANNUAL BUDGET from replacement suppressor costs with a 10-yr suppressor guarantee — and the only sample prep system to eliminate expensive syringe filters and filter caps. SAVE YOUR COMPANY LONG-TERM with 3-yr system warranties and spare parts available for 10+ years after any model is discontinued. Get the best return on your investment!

www.IC-changeisgood.com

Ask us how! 866-METROHM

I LOVE TO SAVE!

With Metrohm IC in your lab you’ll:

Complete Pipetting From pipettes to calibration to automation The Eppendorf complete liquid handling solution offers your lab a single solution for the superior quality tips, calibration services and liquid handling products, from manual pipettes all the way to automation.

> Eppendorf liquid handling products meet the highest needs for precision, ergonomics and robustness > Eppendorf offers a variety of tips in the purity grade your lab needs > Eppendorf also offers calibration services for all Eppendorf and non-Eppendorf brand pipettes

CENA.A1.0157.A.US-LFO.indd 1

Full page tabloid ad Laboratory Focus – LFO

8/14/12 3:11 PM

Laboratory Focus September 2012

Articles inside

Appointments

Calendar

New Products

Career Spotlight