Accelerating your lab operations with Vanquish LC systems

Importance of Topic

Modernizing liquid chromatography (LC) workflows is crucial for high‐throughput laboratories seeking to meet growing demands for speed, sustainability and cost efficiency. Upgrading legacy methods with advanced systems can significantly reduce analysis time, solvent consumption and energy use, while raising sample throughput and data reliability.

Objectives and Study Overview

This case study examines how Sanofi implemented Thermo Scientific Vanquish LC systems to modernize its assay and impurity testing methods. The primary goals were to reduce runtime per analysis, cut solvent usage, improve sample capacity and lower overall operating costs.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Sanofi replaced traditional LC setups with:

• Thermo Scientific Vanquish LC system for combined assay/impurity runs
• Thermo Scientific Vanquish Duo UHPLC system for dual‐channel analyses

Method development optimized column flow rates and gradient profiles to consolidate separate assay and impurity tests into a single 5.5-minute run from the original 60-minute sequence. Solvent consumption and energy draw were monitored per sequence of three batches plus ten content uniformity checks.

Main Results and Discussion

Run time per combined assay/impurity method was reduced from 60 minutes to 5.5 minutes. Solvent use dropped from ~5.5 L to ~3.0 L per sequence, saving 2.5 L per run. Annual projections include:

• 106 liters less solvent used
• 109 working days worth of LC runtime saved
• 20 analyst workdays shaved off per year

Labor cost savings run approximately $3,800 per year, with solvent disposal savings of about $3,270, totaling roughly $7,000 annually. Implementing Vanquish Duo systems further doubles throughput without additional bench real estate and lowers capital and maintenance outlays compared to two separate instruments.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The modernized LC workflow delivers:

• Rapid assay turnarounds, supporting tight production schedules
• Enhanced sample capacity, accommodating up to 216 × 2 mL vials
• Reduced environmental footprint through 78% shorter instrument run time and significant solvent and energy savings
• Lower labor and disposal costs benefiting QA/QC and R&D labs

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing advancements in UHPLC technology and software‐driven automation will further increase throughput and analytical robustness. Integration of intelligent scheduling, predictive maintenance and greener solvent alternatives promises even greater sustainability. Multi-column and multi‐channel systems will drive next-generation parallel analyses in bio/pharma, food safety and environmental testing.

Conclusion

Upgrading to advanced LC platforms like Vanquish and Vanquish Duo can transform laboratory performance by cutting cycle times, slashing solvent use and lowering operational costs. These gains support faster decision‐making, improved sustainability and higher sample throughput across diverse analytical settings.

References

No references provided in the source document.