What Is High-Throughput Experimentation?

High-Throughput Experimentation (HTE) is a cutting-edge methodology that uses automation in chemistry and miniaturization to rapidly screen a vast number of experimental conditions in parallel. Think of it as a super-efficient robotic chemist that works around the clock. Instead of a single reaction in a flask, HTE can test various reagents, catalysts, solvents, and reaction conditions simultaneously.

At Lonza, our advanced robotic system can run up to 96 different reactions at once, all with minimal human intervention. This means we can prepare samples, test reaction mixtures faster, drastically reducing the time it takes to screen for the best conditions.

Why it matters in early-phase development

Early drug development stages are crucial, and this is where HTE shines. Making changes becomes increasingly difficult and costly later on. HTE helps us make the right decisions early in the process by:

Identifying Optimal Conditions: Quickly find the best conditions for bottleneck steps in an existing synthetic process, considering factors like supply chain, safety, and sustainability.

Evaluating Alternative Routes: Rapidly assess alternative synthetic routes with significant potential, ensuring you're on the most efficient path.

Finding the Right Form: Extensively study crystallization solvents to identify the optimal process and final form of a product. With HTE, we help you find the best process faster. It's a game-changer for accelerating your timelines and ensuring a successful, scalable outcome.

Visualizing the HTE Workflow
Key benefits of HTE

Time Efficiency: HTE operates 24/7, enabling the screening of dozens to hundreds of conditions in a short time. This rapid evaluation supports the swift progression from lab to pilot scale.

Material Savings: With HTE, only minimal amounts of material are needed (e.g., less than 2 grams for 96 experiments), making it a cost-effective solution.

Enhanced Data: HTE provides extensive data, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of reaction mechanisms and optimal conditions.

Applications of HTE

Route Design: Identify alternative, shorter routes for complex molecules, demonstrating feasibility within a few rounds of experimentation.

Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve issues such as the formation of undesired polymorphs, ensuring robust process parameters for crystallization.

Process Development and Optimization: Find optimal reaction conditions, including reagents, solvents and catalysts. Rapidly identify safer and more sustainable alternatives, enhancing both process efficiency and environmental compliance.

Lonza’s commitment to innovation

At Lonza, we are committed to leveraging the latest technologies to drive innovation and efficiency in drug development. Our HTE capabilities are a testament to this commitment, enabling us to deliver high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Explore the potential of High-Throughput Experimentation with Lonza and discover how we can help you achieve your development goals faster and more efficiently.

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