As the number of conversations we’re having with scientists in validated environments increases year over year, we have found that a number of common misconceptions exist. Many arise because previous deployments of software accompanied the installation of new hardware, or have involved informatics systems that are intimately integrated across the development workflow and are the source of data and reports submitted directly to regulatory authorities. Below we clear up some of the grey areas that seem to have become industry myths that we commonly find ourselves correcting. Read more →

At ACD/Labs, we are celebrating the 20th birthday of ACD/Structure Elucidator, our most powerful computer assisted structure elucidation (CASE) product. Much like a calculator, CASE is a tool for speeding up spectral analysis and verifying the results of de-Novo Structure Elucidation. CASE has made an amazing impact on our ability to elucidate compounds quickly and accurately by NMR, and has helped spectroscopists solve some of the most challenging elucidations. To better understand how CASE will influence research and development in the coming years, let’s look back on how it has evolved these past 20 years with respect to advancements in modern technology. Read more →

ChemSpider, the most robust online chemical structure database owned by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), includes information on over 63 million structures, properties, and more. After ChemSpider’s market research showed that Percepta Predictors and ACD/Name tools are among the top five functions users regularly seek on ChemSpider, we renewed our partnership last month so we can continue to help the ChemSpider team in refining and updating their database to enhance chemical intelligence worldwide. Read more →

In pharma, drug substances (and the resulting formulated drug products) must conform to a variety of quality specifications in order to be approved for use by healthcare practitioners and patients. While most of us who have worked in pharma know the various regulatory statutes and advisory guidance (and can quote them chapter and verse!), my belief is that there is a challenge in the practical and efficient implementation of quality practices that support conformance. When considering the increasing ‘fracturing’ of supply chains that support demand for drug substances in both clinical and healthcare systems worldwide, this challenge only continues to grow. Read more →

What do you think of when you hear the word predict? Before I started grad school, I probably would have answered that question with crystal balls and fortune tellers. In reality, scientific predictions are calculations based on empirical evidence - not gut feelings. When used appropriately, they play an integral role in expediting academic and industrial workflows, reducing instrument time, and ultimately, saving money. Read more →

Analytical data plays a critical role in R&D by supporting critical decision-making on a daily basis. Whether a synthetic chemist is looking to see if their reaction yielded the product they expected, a group of scientists in development are building an impurity control strategy, or experts in manufacturing are collecting data for regulatory submissions, applications of analytical data are ubiquitous. At a time when the volume of insight-rich data one can gather is extraordinary, chemists working in academic research, industry, and non-profit organizations alike face regular challenges in managing and sharing their data. Read more →

Chemical R&D generates a deluge of instrumental analytical data on a daily basis. As critical R&D decisions and regulatory submissions are based on this data, the need for quality data management is more important than ever before. A lot has changed since the days when paper notebooks were the leading data management ‘platform’ among scientists. Advancements in research and instrument hardware continue to increase the amount of data we are able to produce and process. Sanji Bhal sits down with Graham McGibbon, director of strategic partnerships at ACD/Labs, to discuss his outlook on the industry and the pressing need for better management of analytical chemistry data in R&D. Read more →

ACD/Labs is holding its first ever Virtual Symposium on Thursday, June 14th from 10:30 AM–2:00 PM. EST! Join from your desk when convenient for you—whether it’s for an hour or for the entire session—to learn about our NMR, Luminata and Percepta platforms, and how they can be used to improve processes in the lab for the remainder of 2018. Experts at Procter & Gamble, Amgen, and Cayman Chemical, as well as members from the ACD/Labs team, will join each session to share tips on best practices and their unique applications of our software. Read more →

Ever wonder what goes in to exhibiting at a major analytical science tradeshow? I’m glad you asked! Earlier this year I had the opportunity to travel to Pittcon 2018 (Feb 26 – Mar 1) for my first scientific conference as a member of industry, and an exhibitor rather than as an academic. I’ll take you behind the scenes of ACD/Labs’ conference machine to give you an idea of what it’s really like to exhibit at a conference. Read more →

Chemical nomenclature may seem like a simplistic chemistry discipline; a requirement of every chemical pursuit that is often overlooked for the vital importance it plays. Here we discuss the legacy of our contribution to the field of chemical nomenclature - ACD/Name - and take a look at what has changed in the field of chemical naming over the past two decades. Read more →