Coping with the Expanding Scale of New Biological Entities

As high-throughput technology is implemented across laboratories and research facilities on an ever-increasing scale, the generation of new biological entities (NBEs) continues to rise. While expanding collections of NBEs hold significant and exciting potential, for example in terms of therapeutic applications, the ability to manage such a volume of new agents is critical. This article reviews the typical requirements and demands that are placed on sample management teams when coordinating NBE management at a moderate scale. From practical experience implementing several systems within pharma companies, the authors have learned that there is more to the world of NBE management than just the tracking of containers in and out of -140 °C dewars. Addressing this, seven points of guidance for managing NBEs have been proposed.