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Watson LIMS

by Thermo Fisher Scientificthermofisher.com
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OVERVIEW

A specialized, protocol-driven Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for regulated bioanalytical testing, trusted by top pharmaceutical companies and CROs.

Thermo Scientific Watson LIMS is a proven, purpose-built Laboratory Information Management System specifically designed to support the complex workflows of bioanalytical testing for both small and large molecule candidates. It is widely recognized as the industry standard in bioanalytical support, relied upon by 18 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical organizations and many leading Contract Research Organizations (CROs).

Key Benefits & Capabilities:

Watson LIMS is a highly specialized, protocol-driven application that manages bioanalytical studies from initiation through study closeout. It is designed to reduce validation time and improve overall efficiency in Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic (DMPK) studies. The system acts as a central hub for data and regulatory compliance, allowing multi-site and global operations to run off a single database.

Core features include flexible protocol-based study design, assay/method standardization, and integrated sample tracking with barcode support (including 2D barcodes) to maintain a complete chain of custody (tracking storage location, shipment records, and freeze/thaw cycles). It provides built-in functionality for Pharmacokinetic (PK) and Anti-Drug Antibody (ADA) calculations and analyses. The software automates data capture by interfacing with laboratory instruments, such as the TSQ Series mass spectrometers, to eliminate manual transcription errors.

For reporting and quality assurance, Watson LIMS includes over 150 pre-configured reports, ad-hoc reporting capabilities, and specialized Incurred Sample Reanalysis (ISR) reporting features. It also supports the assembly of datasets into CDISC SEND and SDTM formats to streamline regulatory submission processes.

Compliance and Security:

The software is developed with regulatory compliance as a core focus, enabling adherence to GLP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation, and EMA guidance documents. Security features include role-based access control, secure data transmissions, Encryption, and Single Sign-On (SSO), with comprehensive audit trails tracking all changes for enhanced traceability.

RATING & STATS

Customers
1,000+
Founded
2000

KEY FEATURES

  • Protocol-based Study Design & Management
  • PK (Pharmacokinetic) and ADA (Anti-Drug Antibody) Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance (21 CFR Part 11, GLP)
  • Sample Tracking & Chain of Custody (with barcode support)
  • Automated Data Capture & Instrument Interfacing
  • Incurred Sample Reanalysis (ISR) Reporting
  • Pre-configured & Ad-hoc Reporting (including SEND/SDTM format)
  • Role-based Access Control and Audit Trails

PRICING

Model: enterprise
Enterprise-level pricing. Available via perpetual license plus annual support for on-premise, or subscription for cloud deployment. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and depends on user count and required modules.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Deployment: cloud, on_premise
Platforms: web, windows
🔌 API Available

USE CASES

Bioanalytical TestingDrug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic (DMPK) StudiesNonclinical and Clinical Bioanalytical StudiesMethod Validation and DevelopmentImmunogenicity Assays (ADA/Nab)

INTEGRATIONS

TSQ Series Mass SpectrometersAnalyst Software (SCIEX)Red Thread Analytics Modules (Fit, Verge, Eval)External Applications (via WWSL)ERP Systems (via Integration Manager)

COMPLIANCE & SECURITY

Compliance:
FDA 21 CFR Part 11GLPFDA Bioanalytical Method ValidationEMA Guidance Documents
Security Features:
  • 🔒Encryption
  • 🔒SSO
  • 🔒Role-based Access Control
  • 🔒Audit Trails
  • 🔒Secure Data Transmission

SUPPORT & IMPLEMENTATION

Support: technical support, vendor support portals, knowledge bases, consulting/implementation services
Implementation Time: > 3 months
Target Company Size: medium, enterprise
TRAINING AVAILABLE

PROS & CONS

✓ Pros:
  • +De-facto industry standard for regulated bioanalytical LIMS.
  • +Purpose-built for bioanalytical workflow, minimizing complex customization required by generic LIMS.
  • +Comprehensive regulatory compliance features (21 CFR Part 11, GLP) and full audit trail.
  • +Strong support for PK/ADA analysis and CDISC SEND/SDTM data standards.
  • +Centralized, single database architecture supports multi-site and global operations.
✗ Cons:
  • -High enterprise cost with substantial hidden costs for modules considered essential by some users.
  • -Implementation timelines can be long and complex, often exceeding a year.
  • -User reviews mention an outdated interface that requires extensive clicking for basic operations.
  • -Significant learning curve for new users unfamiliar with LIMS systems.

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