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Significance of the Topic

High-throughput liquid chromatography (LC) is a cornerstone of pharmaceutical analysis, enabling rigorous quality control, method transfer and cost management in regulated environments. Reliable performance and minimized downtime are critical for maintaining compliance and optimizing laboratory productivity.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This application note describes how Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ LC systems were adopted by Thermo Fisher Scientific Pharma Services Group (Patheon) to modernize 47% of their LC fleet by mid-2022. The primary goal was to assess productivity gains, cost savings and reductions in system suitability test (SST) failures compared with legacy LC platforms.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Patheon implemented Vanquish systems across multiple laboratories and compared performance metrics against two competing vendors (A and W). Key performance indicators included instrument-related downtime, SST failure rates and time invested in troubleshooting. System suitability was monitored according to regulatory criteria.

Instrumentation

• Vanquish UHPLC and HPLC platforms with tunable Gradient Delay Volume (GDV)
• SmartInject technology for enhanced retention time precision and extended column lifetime
• Self-aligning, long-life injection needles and valves to reduce routine maintenance
• Automated Health Check diagnostics and built-in thermostatting for reliable temperature control

Main Results and Discussion

Implementation of Vanquish systems led to:

• 85% reduction in instrument-related issues compared to competing LC platforms
• 52% decrease in SST failures after switching, cutting paperwork and investigation time
• Over 2 000 hours saved per year in troubleshooting and method maintenance
• Annual cost savings of approximately $304 000

The data indicate that the modernized LC fleet consistently met strict SST criteria with fewer interventions, validating the maintenance-free philosophy and robust design of Vanquish systems.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

The transition to Vanquish LC offers laboratories:

• Improved uptime and throughput for high-volume sample analysis
• Simplified method transfers via GDV tuning and precise thermal control
• Reduced operational costs through fewer maintenance events and consumable replacements
• Enhanced regulatory compliance with dependable SST performance

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in UHPLC instrumentation and smart diagnostics are poised to further minimize manual interventions and enhance predictive maintenance. Integration of real-time data analytics and remote health monitoring will likely accelerate decision-making in GMP environments. Moreover, expanded adoption of automation and artificial intelligence can optimize method development and resource allocation.

Conclusion

The case study demonstrates that upgrading to Vanquish LC systems delivers substantial productivity gains, cost efficiencies and improved reliability. These results underscore the value of modern UHPLC technology for pharmaceutical service providers aiming to boost laboratory performance and regulatory compliance.